Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe (2024)

Baked spaghetti casserole is a wonderful twist on our favorite pasta meal. It is full of wonderful red sauce and meat and even more cheese!

Satisfy your craving for comforting Italian flavors with our Baked Spaghetti Casserole, a hearty pasta casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe takes classic spaghetti to the next level with layers of saucy pasta, creamy cheese, and a zesty sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

I don’t know about you, but I could eat pasta any day or all the days of the week!

This is the best casserole recipe if you ask me. It pulls all the delicious spaghetti flavors and melts it wonderfully with the gooey cheese added in.

My kids even love this recipe. I don’t have to barter with them to eat it. Does anyone else have to do that? Ha ha.

Looking for another spaghetti casserole? Try our Million Dollar Casserole!

Plus we pair either with our Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread or Sheet Pan Garlic Breadsticks and to make sure we get vegetables in we will also make our 3 Ingredient Avocado Salad as well!

Leftover Baked Spaghetti Casserole is just as good the next day, and it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s a good idea to cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Whether you’re serving this comforting casserole for the first time or it’s a million-dollar spaghetti casserole you’ve been enjoying for years, it’s a satisfying and cheesy pasta dish that deserves a high star rating. Pair it with a Caesar salad for a complete meal, or savor it as a stand-alone masterpiece. No matter how you enjoy it, our Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the epitome of comfort food that never disappoints.

This is such a great recipe to make, take a look at everything you need for this easy family dinner!

Easy baked spaghetti casserole ingredients:

Spaghetti noodles
Ground beef
Medium onion (chopped)
Meatless spaghetti sauce
Seasoned salt
Eggs
Grated Parmesan cheese
Butter
Cottage cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Since our gardens are starting to wind down, you might be looking for something to do with all of those tomatoes. Well, you could make this delicious homemade pasta sauce from Mom on Timeout and use it in this recipe as well!

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Related Recipe: Love Spaghetti?! Don’t miss our Broccoli Alfredo Spaghetti recipe!

For this pasta dinner recipe be sure to have these items:

Large skillet (THIS is a nice one)
Spatula
Colander
Large mixing bowl (I love THIS kind with the rubber bottoms)
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Aluminum foil

Make dinner easier for you and your family!

Our most popular cookbook – Dinner Made Easy – is all about quick, easy, and delicious family dinner entrees. We did all the organization, all the taste-testing with picky kids, and all the hacks to cut the prep time so that you can focus on spending more time with your family.

Every recipe has a beautiful mouth-watering photo and has been picky-eater approved. The directions are simple, easy to follow, and do not require any strange ingredients.

The complete family meal game plan in this cookbook is arranged in seven popular categories:

30 Minutes or Less
5 Ingredients or Less
Pantry Essentials
Slow Cooker
Freezer Meals
One Pan, One Pot
Casseroles

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Time to make the best baked spaghetti casserole you’ve ever had!

Start by boiling the water and cooking the pasta according to the package directions.

While the noodles are cooking, cook the ground beef and onions over medium heat in a large skillet.

After the meat is browned, drain the grease and return the meat to the pan.

Add in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt, stir it together and then set it aside for now.

In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and butter until they are well combined.

When the pasta is done cooking, drain the noodles and then add them to the egg mixture, tossing the noodles making sure to coat all the pasta.

In a greased 9×13 pan, place half of the noodle mixture into the bottom and then top it with half the cottage cheese, and then a layer of meat sauce and finally mozzarella cheese.

Repeat this one more time and then cover the pan with tin foil and bake it at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

After the 40 minutes, uncover the casserole and bake it for another 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Cottage Cheese Substitutes in Baked Spaghetti Casserole:

We get it. Not everyone likes cottage cheese and that is okay! If you do not want to put cottage cheese in this casserole, feel free to replace it with ricotta cheese.

If you do not like ricotta cheese, then simply omit the cottage cheese and maybe amp up the mozzarella cheese a little bit.

Add-Ins for this Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe:

Zucchini
Green bell pepper pepper
Chopped spinach
Frozen peas
Red onion
Pepperoni slices
Black olives
Red bell pepper
Cooked chicken and Alfredo sauce in place of the spaghetti sauce and ground beef

Casserole made in an Instant Pot?!

We have so many Instant Pot recipes on our YouTube channel with all the different things you can make.

We all know that lasagna is delicious, but have you tried to make it in your Instant Pot?!

It is absolutely amazing and done in almost half the time!! Try out this easy Instant Pot lasagna.

Switch it up with these delicious casserole recipes:

Green Chile Layered Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Cornbread Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
The Best Spanish Beef and Rice Bake Recipe (Mexican Casserole)
Sausage Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Mom’s Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe (Chicken Divan)

Serves: 12

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

4.84 from 6 votes

Baked spaghetti casserole is a wonderful twist on our favorite pasta meal. It is full of wonderful red sauce and meat and even more cheese!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

1 16 ounce package spaghetti noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
1 26 ounce jar meatless spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
5 Tablespoons butter melted
2 cups cottage cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain grease.
Stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat.
Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Notes

Not everyone likes cottage cheese and that is okay! If you do not want to put cottage cheese in this casserole, feel free to replace it with ricotta cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 272 kcal · Carbohydrates: 3 g · Protein: 21 g · Fat: 19 g · Saturated Fat: 9 g · Cholesterol: 93 mg · Sodium: 544 mg · Potassium: 202 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 2 g · Vitamin A: 375 IU · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 269 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Equipment

Large Skillet
spatula
colander
Large Mixing Bowl
Whisk
9×13-inch Baking Pan
Aluminum Foil

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Join The Discussion

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Cherie @ Lots of Jewels' Blog says:

Our family loves spaghetti too! I am going to make this asap! Thanks for the recipe and what a great blog you have! I think this would be a great back to school dinner with fresh salad and bread!
Have a great week!
Naomi says:

Yummmm! Who doesn't love spaghetti?? I could live off it too!
Casey says:

This dish is striking me as something I want for dinner. Can I really change my weekly menu on Monday?
Mrs. Jen B says:

Yeah, gotta agree with your husband - I could eat spaghetti every day of the week, too! And so could MY husband. This is not a good combination. ;)
Lizz says:

Ah, I just love everything you put on here! This is FAB-U-LOUS!!
Tracie Brown says:

cooking this tonight :) My husband loves spaghetti!!
Leah says:

trying this tonight, but wondering what you think of the cooking time-- if the beef and spaghetti are already cooked, 60+ total minutes seems like a lot when you've only got cheese and two eggs left to be cooked/melted. thoughts? :)
Six Sisters says:

I thought the same thing when I first made it, but it seemed to come out just right! Let us know how it goes!
Melissa Jeune says:

I pinned this! Great website:)
miss.marcedes says:

I've got this in the oven.....it's smelling GREAT!!
Martha says:

This is delicious... My husband loves it more than spaghetti and meatballs...and so do I. I Baked it just as directed and it is great and freezes well. Have to keep some on hand just in case..lol
Lorraine Miller says:

I can't stand cottage cheese....you think it would be just as good if I left it out?
Lorraine Miller says:

I can't stand cottage cheese....you think it would be just as good if I left it out?
The Ellis' says:

Hi Lorraine!
I have never tried it without cottage cheese but I am sure you could substitute it with a little ricotta cheese or try omitting it. Let us know how it goes!
Lindsay says:

Phenomenal! I will be making this again...and again...and again! Hoping the leftovers are just as tasty!
Leisure Mills says:

Im a new follower. As soon as i saw this recipe i decided to try it and it came out great! Hopefully i will get a chance to blog about it this weekend!
Ms. Megan says:

Did you freeze it after baking it or before?
Gail Tansy says:

Made this baked spaghetti last night using lean meat and fat free/low fat dairy products and it was still delicious : ) Hubby ate two big plate fulls. Would be great for company.
shelley says:

I saw you suggested using ricotta if you don't like cottage cheese. I want to use ricotta because that's what I already have on hand :) Would I use the same amount of ricotta?
Six Sisters says:

Yes! Just use the same amount!
Melissa Marie says:

This was AWFUL! Save your time and ingredients. Find another recipe or just make some plain ol spaghetti.
Melissa Moore says:

Made it tonight for dinner and was YUM!!! Only cooked it for 30min and turned out fine!
Amanda Napolitano says:

I am so happy I found this recipe here! I couldn't find it on All Recipe's website anymore and this is my favorite one! It is so good! I omit the cottage cheese and use more sauce, the 26oz jar didn't seem to be enough the first time I made this, but it was a HUGE hit! I had a group of friends over when I made this and they loved it. The guys couldn't get enough! Sent leftovers home with everyone :) Very good recipe!
Amanda Napolitano says:

It is GREAT with out the cottage cheese. I didn't substitute it for anything either, just left it out completely and it was so good. I used extra sauce though, b/c I ran out the first time. Just a little tip - if you like sauce. Def give this recipe an A+! I've had so many people ask me for it b/c they liked it so much!
shawn mcbee says:

good recipe
bythesparklingsea says:

I guess it doesn't turn out as good without the cheese...but still tastes incredibly delicious!
Elizabeth says:

If I want to freeze this should I bake it before freezing it? Thanks!
Elizabeth says:

If I want to freeze this, should I bake it before or after freezing? Thanks!
Cyd says:

You can bake it before you freeze it. Then just thaw and reheat!
Rachel Alberts says:

I have this in the oven note and it smells amaaaazing! My babe has a huge appetite so I don't expect many leftovers :-P
Sandy says:

I have been baking left over spaghetti for a long time by just adding some additional butter and cheese on top. I usually start the spaghetti warming in oven while I grate the cheddar cheese, when I put on the cheese I cover top for 30 mins or maybe longer then uncover for additional 15 mins. To get the "baked" effect you will need it to bake at least this long. I like the edges to get a little crispy. :)
Jyll says:

I make something similar to this (no meat) and use ricotta instead of the cottage cheese. I bake it in a pie dish and call it spaghetti pie to entice the kids. Serve it in pie slices and everything. They love it.
Shaune says:

Keeper! Made this for dinner tonight. I half it and use homemade sauce. Always comes out delish :)
Shantae Bonner says:

I've been making this exact recipe for 12 years but I only bake it for 35 minutes covered and 5 minutes uncovered. It's the best! Glad to see so many people enjoying it. You guys always find the best recipes!
Samantha Doss says:

I found this recipe on Pinterest. We made it without the cottage cheese and it turned out great! I am planning on making it again, but adding extra sauce. My husband and son loved it! Said it was better than baked spaghetti from one of our local Italian restaurants!
Cheryl DeJong says:

Loved this recipe!!! I baked half in an 8x8 and froze the other half to bake later! My hubby even asked if I can remember where I found the recipe so I can make it again!
MNT says:

I was so excited for this recipe, but I was disappointed. I thought it turned out kinda dry and there was definitely not enough spaghetti sauce even though I used a larger sized jar. I would not make this again without some heavy tweaks.
Jodi says:
See Also
Elaine’s Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Freeze before baking.
Ryann says:

Hi,If I cut this recipe in half and put it in am 8x8 or 9x9 pan, how long should I cook it?Thanks!
Cyd says:

You could reduce the cooking time when making this in an 8 x 8 pan. We don't have the exact baking time for you. Be sure to watch it closely. The main thing is that it is heated all the way through and the cheese is melted.
angela says:

I love this recipe, i use about 3/4 pounds of ground beef and i substitute the cottage cheese for ricotta. I've made this numerous times and love it every time. Thanks for a great recipe!
Judy says:

Could you be more specific about the "seasoned salt" ingredient? Also, what are your thoughts on substituting 1 lb. of bulk sausage for the ground beef?
Cyd says:

There are many brands of seasoned salt. Any of them will work fine. We often use Lawry's. Bulk sausage should work just fine in place of ground beef.
Dynamo of Dixie says:

This looks great, but here's a question. If we don't like Parmesan, would you suggest using a different cheese or just omitting it?
Cyd says:

You could omit it or Mozzarella would be good and cheesy!
Nicki says:

This recipe is so delicious!!! My whole family loves it, including my 1 and 4 year old! Definitely going to be making again!
Shannon Lindsay says:

I made this recipe a few months ago. It was wonderful. My young adult son works weird hours. He liked it so much he said he could eat it everyday. He also said I should keep the leftovers on hand frequently because he would love to have it as a go to food for lunch or dinner on a busy day. It took a little bit of time to make but the leftovers were great. Well worth the effort. Thanks for this great recipe.
Ann says:

I was worried about comments on it being dry but stuck to the recipe and it was perfect! Far from dry. Maybe others mismeasured or just like a dripping spaghetti. It was very moist but not watery. It had a great taste and all 5 of my very picky eaters loved it. I just had to keep it a secret that it was cottage cheese, until of course they were done. We will definitely be making it again. Maybe next time I might use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Mary B says:

This is an awesome recipe. My husband and I both love it!!
Sara says:

This looks delicious and doable for me, so I'm considering making this for a Pot Luck dinner. How many servings does this make because I need to have a dish that serves 15 people?
Lori says:

Funny your the only one with a negative comment..
Tara says:

Made this last night. Used ricotta instead of cottage cheese. My husband, who is extremely picky and doesn't care for spaghetti the traditional way, LOVED it. When I make it again, I will use more sauce, but that is just a personal preference. Turned out great! Having leftovers for lunch today?
Kristi says:

I made this last night and my son and I really like it but my husband thought it didn't have enough sauce in it, which is what I liked about it, lol! So I guess I'm going to have to find a way to add some sauce but not too much for a happy medium.
Paula says:

could this be done in the crock pot?
Raiya Hassen says:

Husband loved baked spaghetti. Will make it again.Kids loved Brownies. Took to school for 6th birthday. Made 25 squares. Her classmates licked their fingers and asked for more
Cyd says:

Thanks Raiya! You made our day!
Megan says:

I have a question on freezing it too. how is it best container wise to freeze? I want to make this for a new mom and am worried that it will be too big if I freeze the whole portion... and do you thaw it prior to baking or just add time? Sorry new to the freezer meals...
Keri says:

Megan - Jodi's response to this question is incorrect. You bake it first, let it cool, then cut it into individual serving-sized portions. Wrap each portion in foil or put it in a Ziploc baggie, then put the wrapped portions on a baking sheet in the freezer until they're frozen solid. Once frozen, you can stack them directly on the freezer shelf. These can be microwaved directly from the freezer, but they tend to end up a little tough around the edges before the middle gets hot, so I like to thaw them out in the fridge overnight.
Keri says:

You can also use ricotta cheese instead of the cottage cheese. I am 1/2 Italian and we cringe every time we see an "Italian" pasta recipe that calls for cottage cheese. YUCK!!
Tiffany says:

Subbing cottage cheese for ricotta? Wish me luck!! Looks great!
Courtney says:

Thank you for asking this because my husband feels the same way yet it sounds delish!
Courtney says:

Yay to this answer! Pinning now!
Courtney says:

Hahahaha...good idea.
Ann says:

Can I make this without cottage cheese or ricotta cheese? I only have parmesan and mozarella on hand
Cyd says:

We have only made it as directed on the recipe. You will want the cottage cheese because it gives the recipe some moisture.
Dee says:

I want to make this for a friend. I'm going to freeze it. I've read the comments. From what I take you bake it. Then freeze it. Thaw it in the overnight fridge before baking. My question is how long do you bake it after it is frozen and at what temp? I want it to turn out delicious for her and her family. Thanks!!
Marcy says:

Ditto! I also will not use cottage cheese in pasta recipes. I used Ricotta cheese and this pasta dish was great!
Allan Bernstein says:

Delicious but how did you all fit it into 1 13 X 9 baking dish. I had to use two baking dished with just 1 layer of goodies each. Still yum.
Lara says:

I love this recipe. It’s easy and good and makes a lot! Your prep time allowance of 10 minuets is totally wrong though. I cook regularly and feel like i can easily read a recipe and then make it myself...I could never prep this in 10 minuets.
Danielle says:

Fresh grated Parmesan or the bottled powdery kind?
Cyd says:

You can use fresh grated Parmesan Cheese or the kind that you shake out of the bottle. They will both work fine.
Jean says:

Yes, I have made a very similar dish with neither the cottage cheese nor the ricotta. I love zucchini so I included that. Everyone, including picky grandchildren love it.
Vicky says:

Could I substitute spaghetti squash for the noodles or do you think it might be watery?
Cyd says:

Hi Vicky. That sounds amazing by adding the baked spaghetti squash. Spaghetti squash has a lot more moisture in it. We have not tried this recipe using spaghetti squash in place of the pasta. Sorry, I wish we were more help. If there is a way to get a lot of the moisture out with a paper towel. It might be worth trying.
Teresa says:

Made this tonight! Killer! Easy and so delicious!
Caroline says:

Any suggestions for egg substitute? We have an egg allergy in the family. Would an egg replacement powder work?
Cyd says:

We have not used an egg replacement for this recipe. If you use them in most of your recipes and they work well as a substitute, I'm sure it would work in this recipe too.
Mariana says:

You mentioned an alternative would be to use baked chicken and Alfredo. Would you make it exactly the same way just subbing Alfredo sauce for tomatoes and tomato sauce? Same amount of Alfredo?
Cyd says:

Just replace the spaghetti sauce and ground beef for chicken and Alfredo sauce and make the same.
Jessica says:

This sounds soooo good! I cant wait to make it! Has anyone made it with gluten free noodles? I feel like if I baked it to long they will fall apart or if I freeze it ahead of time, when I go to heat it they will turn into mush..
Susan says:

Looks yummy! What is the purpose of adding the cottage cheese (or ricotta)? Creamier texture?
Esther says:

This was really good! Used ground turkey, seasoned with poultry seasoning instead of seasoning salt. Added crushed red peppers for zing along with chopped summer squash, mushrooms, onion, and thawed, squeezed spinach. The other thing I did was run the cottage cheese through the food processor to make it smoother. Made plenty for leftovers and to share.
Rick says:

Really, only 3 carbs in this recipe ??
Barbara Cohen says:

Planning an Open House in Feb. (OK, hoping to have an Open House in Feb.) Could these be made in muffin tins to be easier to serve?
Momma Cyd says:

I'm sure they would turn out. But this is something you'll want to experiment with since it's for an Open House. :)
Momma Cyd says:

It adds to the creaminess, flavor, texture of the casserole, and helps hold it all together. You'll definitely want to add it to the recipe.
Jen says:

I think the Carbohydrate count on this is inaccurate. With all those spaghetti noodles, I doubt it is only 3 carbs! When I carb counted for my diabetic son I got 34 per serving. Just FYI. :-)
Patti Eates says:

Can I freeze this recipe. HVe a family of three. Thinking breaking up to 2 pans freezing one???
Momma Cyd says:

Yes, you should be able to freeze it just fine. Freezing them after cooking may cause them to become just a little mushy after reheating. Aim to cook your pasta al dente, and it should be just fine when reheating after thawing.
Karen says:

Even the pickiest grandchild loved it! Made it as written.
Tina says:

Can this be made a day ahead?
Joanne says:

I love this recipe. I make it every couple of weeks.
Momma Cyd says:

You can easily make this a day ahead and then pop it in the oven.
Leslie says:

My family LOVES this recipe!! It is something that I can make a day ahead, or even freeze, so I am not in the kitchen when I would like to be with them. It is delicious, wonderful to serve with a salad and some garlic bread, and they think I am a wizard! I even took a picture of it, but can’t see how to add the picture :(
Geri M says:

It was really good but needed more sauce and meat. Also used the ricotta in place of the cottage cheese and it worked great.
Shaylee M says:

Recipe was delicious but im definitely going to be using more sauce next time. The bottom was just a tiny bit too sticky for me. But otherwise delicious!
Brqndie says:

Could I assemble this casserole ahead of time then baked later or will the noodles get mushy?
Momma Cyd says:

You could assemble this ahead of time.

About The Author:

Elyse Ellis

Elyse lives in northern Utah with her husband and her four kids: 2 boys and 2 girls. She loves working out and movie theater popcorn.

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