Easiest Spaghetti Casserole

If you’re loving this Easiest Spaghetti Casserole, you’re definitely going to want to check out some of my other amazing dinner recipes! Craving something cheesy and comforting? Try my Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese—it’s creamy, rich, and a total crowd-pleaser. Or, if you’re in the mood for something bold and flavorful, you can’t go wrong with Vietnamese Shaking Beef—tender, juicy, and packed with delicious umami flavors. No matter what you’re in the mood for, these recipes will make dinnertime exciting and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Casserole

• Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Everything comes together fast, and the oven does most of the work.
• Great for leftovers. Seriously, this might taste even better the next day.
• Cheesy, beefy, and downright satisfying. Enough said.
• Kid-friendly! Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
• Customizable. Add veggies, different meats, or extra spices to make it your own.
• Perfect for potlucks. This dish feeds a crowd and always gets rave reviews.

What is Spaghetti Casserole?

Spaghetti casserole is a baked pasta dish that combines cooked spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, and lots of melted cheese. Unlike traditional spaghetti, where everything is mixed together on the plate, this dish is layered and baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to deepen as it cooks.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

• Busy parents looking for an easy meal that feeds the whole family.
• Cheese lovers who can’t resist a melty, gooey dish.
• Anyone who meal preps since this dish stores and reheats beautifully.
• Comfort food fans because, well, it’s a warm, satisfying classic.
• Pasta lovers who want a new twist on an Italian favorite.

What to Serve with Spaghetti Casserole?

Want to round out the meal? Here are some perfect pairings:

• Garlic bread – Because extra carbs are always a good idea.
• Side salad – A fresh contrast to the cheesy goodness.
• Steamed veggies – Broccoli or green beans balance the richness.
• A glass of red wine – If that’s your thing. No judgment!
• Roasted Brussels sprouts – Adds a bit of crunch and extra nutrients.
• Homemade coleslaw – A refreshing, tangy side that pairs surprisingly well.

Can I Use Cooked Spaghetti?

Yes! You can use pre-cooked spaghetti for this recipe, but make sure it is al dente to prevent it from becoming too mushy after baking. If using leftover spaghetti, toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together before layering it in the casserole. Additionally, if your spaghetti has been sitting in the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before assembling the casserole to help it bake evenly. If you prefer a firmer texture, consider undercooking the pasta by about a minute less than the package instructions before using it in the recipe. This ensures it doesn’t turn too soft during baking. Lastly, using whole wheat or protein-enriched spaghetti can add more texture and nutrients to the dish without compromising flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the details, let me reassure you—this recipe doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easy to grab at the store. These simple, everyday ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each one adds to the rich, savory flavors and comforting texture that makes this spaghetti casserole a family favorite.

For the Casserole

• Uncooked spaghetti – The base of the dish, cooked to al dente for the perfect texture.
• Ground beef – Provides hearty, savory flavor. Brown it with a little salt and pepper.
• Diced tomatoes – Adds a bit of tang and freshness to the sauce.
• Tomato sauce – Gives the casserole its rich, comforting tomato flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flavors.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
• Black pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
• Beef stock – Helps cook the pasta while adding more savory depth.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty bite that complements the mozzarella.
• Aluminum foil – Keeps the casserole moist and allows for even baking.

For the full list of quantities, check the recipe card below!

How to Make Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Set your oven to 375°F. While that’s warming up, cook your spaghetti to al dente (firm but not mushy). Drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef until browned. Drain the grease and stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let that simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Layer It Up In a large baking dish, pour in your beef stock first. Then, spread out your cooked spaghetti, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the pasta and give it a little mix so everything gets coated.

Step 4: Cheese, Please! Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella over the top. Then, cover the dish with foil (this helps lock in moisture and melt that cheese beautifully). Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Finishing Touches Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes—until it’s golden, bubbly, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve Take it out and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. (I know, the wait is painful, but it helps everything set!)

Tips and Tricks for the Best Spaghetti Casserole

• Want a little spice? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper.
• Need it even cheesier? Mix some ricotta in with the sauce before layering.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Add veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach mix in well with the sauce.
• Try different proteins: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be a great swap for beef.

How to Store and Reheat Spaghetti Casserole

If you have leftovers, lucky you! Spaghetti casserole reheats beautifully and maintains its flavor and texture when stored properly. Here’s how to store and warm it up for another delicious meal:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat within this time to maintain flavor and texture.
• Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, label it with the date before storing.
• Reheating in the Oven: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covering it with foil to retain moisture. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of beef stock or water can help keep the pasta from drying out.
• Reheating from Frozen: If reheating directly from frozen, bake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through. Alternatively, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as usual.

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Can You Make Spaghetti Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or prepping for a big family dinner.

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FAQs About Casseroles

Final Thoughts

If you need an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this spaghetti casserole is a must-try. It’s got all the flavors of a classic spaghetti dinner but with a cheesy, baked twist. Plus, it’s so simple, you might just add it to your regular rotation. Serve it up with some garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out!