👉SpaghettiCasserole Recipe – Recipes on a Budget

Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This comforting Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Imagine layers of tender spaghetti coated with a buttery Parmesan egg mixture, rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, offering a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug in every bite.

Ingredients Overview

Spaghetti: The foundation of our casserole, offering a comforting carb base.

Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Meatless Spaghetti Sauce: A ready-made solution that saves time while offering a robust tomato flavor.

Seasoned Salt: Enhances the overall taste with a perfect blend of spices.

Eggs: Act as a binder, adding richness and structure to the casserole.

Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the spaghetti mixture with a sharp, nutty flavor.

Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the spaghetti mixture.

Cottage Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the meat sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy delight, making every bite irresistible.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir the ground beef and chopped onion in the hot skillet until the meat is browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess oil from the pan, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Mix the Spaghetti:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. This mixture will help the casserole hold together and add richness.

Assemble the Casserole:
Place half of the spaghetti mixture in the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the cottage cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes more.

Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into neat portions. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For individual portions, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta types like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: Can I freeze the casserole?
A3: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q4: What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
A4: Ricotta cheese is a great alternative to cottage cheese.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A5: Definitely! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

Q6: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A6: Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and low-fat cottage cheese.

Q7: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of jarred sauce?
A7: Yes, you can make a fresh tomato sauce, but it may require additional seasoning and cooking time.

Q8: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming dry?
A8: Ensure you cover it with foil during the initial baking time and use enough sauce to keep it moist.

Q9: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A9: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.

Q10: How can I add more flavor to the meat sauce?
A10: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Q11: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A11: Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.

Q12: What if I don’t have seasoned salt?
A12: You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder as a substitute.

Q13: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A13: The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q14: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A14: Yes, assemble the layers in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

Q15: What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A15: A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables are great side dishes.

Q16: Can I add wine to the meat sauce?
A16: Yes, a splash of red wine can enhance the flavor of the meat sauce.

Q17: How can I make this dish spicier?
A17: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.

Q18: Is it possible to use egg substitutes?
A18: Yes, you can use flax eggs or other egg substitutes if needed.

Q19: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A19: Cover the casserole with foil during the initial baking time and only remove it for the last 10 minutes.

Q20: Can I add herbs to the egg mixture?
A20: Yes, adding fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley can enhance the flavor.

20 Secrets for Achieving Culinary Perfection

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and freshly chopped onions can make a big difference.
Season the Pasta Water: Adding salt to your pasta water enhances the flavor of the spaghetti.
Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the beef is well browned for deeper flavor.
Deglaze the Pan: After browning the meat, deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or broth for added flavor.
Layer Evenly: Spread each layer evenly to ensure consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
Cover with Foil: Covering with foil keeps the casserole moist during baking.
Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest before serving to set the layers.
Use Quality Cheese: High-quality mozzarella melts better and tastes richer.
Pre-Cook Vegetables: If adding veggies, sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Add Garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can elevate the dish.
Balance Acidity: Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce if it’s too acidic.
Choose the Right Meat: Ground beef with a bit of fat (80/20) provides better flavor.
Mix Cheeses: A blend of mozzarella and provolone can add depth to the cheese layer.
Opt for Whole Eggs: Whole eggs add better structure and flavor than substitutes.
Experiment with Sauces: Try different pasta sauces like marinara or arrabbiata for variety.
Add Spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika can add a subtle kick.
Grate Your Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Keep it Moist: Ensure there’s enough sauce to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.