Try this delicious Spaghetti Casserole! It’s loaded with all the good stuff: tender spaghetti noodles, seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, green peppers, and onions. It’s like your favorite spaghetti but kicked up a notch for extra comfort and flavor. This spaghetti casserole recipe will hit the spot and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Easy Baked Spaghetti Casserole
I’m a huge casserole fan—I could eat one every day—and this spaghetti casserole recipe is a family favorite because it’s…
- Easy: It’s super easy to whip up!
- Feel-good meal: It offers the comforting flavors of traditional spaghetti in a convenient casserole form.
- Versatile: Mix and match ingredients to suit your taste buds.
- Satisfying: Spaghetti casserole is a hearty and filling dish.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether serving a family dinner or hosting a gathering, it’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Ground beef: I use lean ground beef, but sometimes I use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for a flavor twist.
- Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aroma.
- Green pepper: Offers a fresh, zesty flavor and a pop of color.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and depth of flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Tomato soup: Provides a tangy sweetness and tomato flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic salt: Adds savory flavor and enhances taste.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and savory flavor. You could substitute mozzarella cheese, or Italian cheese blend if you prefer.
- Spaghetti noodles
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Directions
Step 1: Saute ground beef, onion, green pepper and celery in a large skillet until meat is browned and veggies have reached desired tenderness.
Step 2: In a separate saucepan, combine soups, water, garlic salt, and cheese; heat thoroughly, stirring constantly until smooth.
Step 3: Combine meat, soup mixture and cooked spaghetti noodles. Pour the spaghetti sauce mixture into a greased 8×11-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Bake covered for 35 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle additional cheese on top and bake for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Helpful Tips and Variation Ideas
- Cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente: Overcooked spaghetti may become mushy when baked in the casserole. Cook it just until it’s tender with a slight bite.
- Change up the meat. Use Italian sausage instead of, or along with ground beef or use ground chicken or ground turkey.
- Add creamy cheese to the filling, such as ricotta, cottage, or cream cheese. You could also add Parmesan cheese to the cheese mixture or sprinkle some on top before serving.
- Add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli, to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
- Add some spice. I love crushed red pepper flakes!
- Breadsticks, green salad, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes to accompany spaghetti casserole.
Recipe FAQ
Yes, you can prepare spaghetti casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Yes, spaghetti casserole freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Casserole Recipes
Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green pepper chopped
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 oz can can tomato soup
- 1 ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1½ cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 8 ounces spaghetti cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Saute ground beef, onion, green pepper and celery in skillet until meat is browned and veggies are tender.
- Combine soups, water, garlic salt and cheese in saucepan; heat throughly, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Combine meat, soup mixture and cooked spaghetti noodles in a greased 8×11-inch baking dish. Bake covered for 35 minutes. Sprinkle additional cheese on top, uncover and bake 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
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