Looking for the best Spaghetti Casserole Recipe? This easy baked spaghetti casserole is a cheesy, beefy dinner your family will love. Try it tonight!
Finding the perfect supper recipes that the whole family will love can be a challenge, but this spaghetti casserole is a guaranteed winner. It is one of those easy casserole recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Whether you call it a pasta bake or a baked spaghetti casserole, it’s a comfort food staple that deserves a spot in your rotation of pasta dinner recipes.
This is one of the best baked spaghetti recipes because it combines a savory meat sauce with melted cheese for the ultimate pasta dinner. If you are looking for beef recipes easy enough for beginners, you’ve found the right one!
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Most baked pasta recipes require a lot of prep, but this easy casserole simplifies the process. It’s a hearty beef casserole that you can customize to your liking.
Ingredients Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 can (10 ¾ oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 can of diced tomatoes or Rotel (un-drained)
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 ¾ cup cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions for the Perfect Pasta Bake
- Prep the Meat Sauce: In a large pot, cook the ground beef, green pepper, onion, celery, and garlic until the meat is fully browned. Drain the excess fat well.
- Simmer: Stir in the soup, water, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Boil the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to the package directions and drain.
- Combine: Mix the cooked spaghetti and 1 cup of the cheese into the meat mixture.
- Bake (Optional): This is one of those versatile baked pasta dishes where the baking step is up to you. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 11×7 or 9×13 dish. Cover and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- The Cheesy Finish: To make this the best baked spaghetti recipe, sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese on top and bake uncovered for 10 additional minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Note: If you are in a rush, you can skip the oven! Many people find that this easy baked spaghetti recipe is hot enough to serve immediately after mixing the pasta with the simmered sauce.
Variations for your Pasta Casserole Recipes
- For Heat: Use Rotel with green chilies for a zesty flavor profile.
- For Creaminess: Stir in 4 oz of cream cheese for a million dollar spaghetti casserole vibe.
- Switch the Protein: Swap the beef for shredded chicken to create an easy chicken spaghetti recipe.
This spaghetti casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves pasta casserole recipes that are filling and delicious!
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This easy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. A cheesy, beefy baked spaghetti casserole perfect for a quick and hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground beef
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 can (10 ¾ oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 can of diced tomatoes or Rotel (un-drained)
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 ¾ cup cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Prep the Meat Sauce: In a large pot, cook the ground beef, green pepper, onion, celery, and garlic until the meat is fully browned. Drain the excess fat well.
- Simmer: Stir in the soup, water, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Boil the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to the package directions and drain.
- Combine: Mix the cooked spaghetti and 1 cup of the cheese into the meat mixture.
- Bake (Optional): This is one of those versatile baked pasta dishes where the baking step is up to you. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 11x7 or 9x13 dish. Cover and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- The Cheesy Finish: To make this the best baked spaghetti recipe, sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of cheddar cheese on top and bake uncovered for 10 additional minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
If you want more pasta casserole recipes, you have to try my Chicken Alfredo bake. It’s so cheesy and delicious!