Is there anything better than a hearty, cheesy casserole? Whenever I feel like indulging in some true comfort food, I find myself reaching for my Beef Spaghetti Casserole recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills the house with mouth-watering aromas and has everyone asking, “When is dinner ready?”
This casserole takes classic spaghetti to the next level by blending rich, savory marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and flavorful ground beef. It’s baked to perfection with a bubbly, golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ready to start? Let’s break it down!
Ingredients and Preparation
The key to making an unforgettable Beef Spaghetti Casserole is having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti – Cook it al dente! You want the noodles to hold their structure when they bake.
- 2 pounds 90% lean ground beef – Lean beef helps keep it juicy without excess grease.
- 1 large onion, diced – Adds a deliciously mild sweetness.
- 6 medium garlic cloves, minced – Garlic is a flavor powerhouse in this dish.
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature – Creamy and smooth, this adds richness to the sauce.
- 4 cups marinara sauce – Homemade or store-bought, choose one with bold flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream – Another creamy element to balance the tanginess of the marinara.
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to give it that Italian flair.
- 1½ teaspoons granulated white sugar – Just a touch to bring out the sweetness of the tomato sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – For a hint of sharpness.
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided – The more melty cheese, the better!
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided – Salty, savory, and a must in any Italian dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – For that fresh, vibrant finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F . Then go ahead and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray so nothing sticks.
- Prepare spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente. Make sure to follow the package directions closely. Once done, rinse and drain them, and set them aside for later.
Cooking the Beef and Building Flavor
Now that your spaghetti is ready, it’s time to focus on creating a flavorful base for the beef and sauce combo. This is when the magic happens as we infuse all those delightful flavors into the dish.
Cooking the Beef Mixture:
- Cook the beef, onions, and garlic: In a large, deep skillet or a 5-quart pot, heat it to medium-high . Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef , diced onion , and minced garlic . Stir the mixture occasionally with a spoon to break the meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Continue cooking this savory trio until the beef is browned and the onions are softened —which should take about 8 minutes .
- Drain any excess grease:
If your beef releases more fat than expected, feel free to drain the extra grease to avoid a soggy casserole. - Add the cream cheese: Turn the heat down to medium and start incorporating the cream cheese into the mixture. Stir it well until it’s fully melted and combined. This helps create a creamy texture to balance the acidity in the marinara sauce.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and seasonings: Now, it’s time to add the marinara sauce , sour cream , Italian seasoning , sugar , salt , and black pepper . Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the sauce is well combined with the beef. This is where all those delicious flavors meld into a rich, comforting sauce.
Once your house starts smelling divine, you’ll thank yourself for making this dish! All we need to do now is build up the casserole layers and get it into the oven.
Assembling the Casserole
With all the delicious components prepared, it’s time to bring everything together for the ultimate Beef Spaghetti Casserole. This next part is all about layering and adding those cheesy elements we can’t resist.
- Combine the spaghetti with the sauce and cheese: Grab your drained spaghetti noodles and toss them into the pot with the beefy marinara sauce mixture. Give everything a good stir so that the noodles are fully coated, and all the flavors have a chance to mix. Now, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan . The cheese starts to melt into the sauce, making it wonderfully creamy and cheesy throughout.
- Transfer to the casserole dish: Once the noodles, beef, and cheeses are combined into one deliciously gooey mixture, it’s time to transfer everything to your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish . Use a spatula or large spoon to spread the pasta mixture evenly throughout the dish.
- Top with more cheese: Now for the fun part—adding the rest of the cheese! Take the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole. This layer of cheesy goodness will melt and form a perfect golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake the casserole: Place your loaded casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes , or until the cheese on top is fully melted and the casserole is warmed through. If you’re like me and enjoy a slightly golden, crispy top, once the casserole is done, turn on the broiler and give it a quick 1-2 minute broil . Just be sure to watch it closely so the cheese doesn’t burn!
Garnishing, Serving, and Storing
Your Beef Spaghetti Casserole is out of the oven, bubbling hot, and smelling heavenly! But before we dive in, let’s add a little finishing touch to make it pop visually and flavor-wise.
- Add fresh parsley: Once the casserole is done baking, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley on top. Not only does this add a hint of fresh, earthy flavor to the dish, but the vibrant green also makes the presentation more appealing.
- Time to serve: Now that your casserole is ready, it’s time to dig in! Use a large spatula to scoop out portions of cheesy, meaty, saucy goodness onto your plate. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a fully satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Storage Instructions:
If you have leftovers (which is rare because everyone goes back for seconds!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish with foil. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days . Just remove a portion and reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
- Freezing: Want to make it ahead of time or keep it for longer? You can store the casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months . Be sure to let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion
There you have it—my simple yet amazing Beef Spaghetti Casserole recipe! It’s all about hearty ingredients, creamy cheeses, and zesty marinara sauce that come together in one comforting dish. This is the perfect recipe to feed a crowd or treat your family to an easy, satisfying dinner. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious the day after!
So bookmark this recipe, give it a try next time you’re craving something cozy, and I guarantee, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Let me know if there’s any part of the recipe that you’d like me to tweak or explain further, and happy cooking! 🍽️