Baked Spaghetti Casserole

A comforting, cheesy pasta bake layered with rich meat sauce and a creamy béchamel-style topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep!

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: ~40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Meat Sauce:

• 200g (7 oz) spaghetti (or pasta of choice)

• 300g (10 oz) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

For the Creamy Sauce (Béchamel-style):

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Nutmeg, a pinch (optional, for depth of flavor)

‍ Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Boil spaghetti according to package directions.

• Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Sauté onions until soft and translucent.

• Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.

• Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

• Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

• Simmer until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

• Stir in mozzarella cheese, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Set aside.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

• In a large baking dish or individual oven-safe dishes, layer the following:

  • A scoop of meat sauce

  • A layer of cooked spaghetti

  • More meat sauce

  • Another layer of spaghetti

• Pour the creamy béchamel sauce over the top.

6. Top with Cheese:

• Sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

7. Bake:

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

8. Serve Hot:

• Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!

Pro Tips

• Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.

• Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor.

• You can prep the dish ahead and refrigerate overnight, then bake before serving.

Variations You’ll Love

️ Spicy Kick:

• Add 1/2 tsp chili flakes to the meat sauce.

• Use a spicy marinara or mix in some sriracha or hot sauce.

Vegetarian Version:

• Skip the meat and sauté chopped mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach instead.

• Add a can of lentils or chickpeas for protein.

Super Cheesy Upgrade:

• Add a layer of ricotta cheese or cream cheese between pasta layers.

• Top with a blend of cheddar, provolone, and mozzarella for a cheese-lover’s dream.

Make It a Meal Prep:

• Bake in individual ramekins or portioned containers.

• Store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.