Can I make Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole through the meat sauce layer, cover, and refrigerate. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan during the final portion of baking. If baking directly from the refrigerator, allow additional time for the center to heat through.

Why is the cheese added near the end of baking?

Adding the mozzarella and Parmesan during the final 10 to 15 minutes allows the cheese to melt without becoming overly browned, dry, or crusty.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes. Ricotta gives the creamy layer a smoother texture, while cottage cheese gives the casserole a slightly lighter, old-fashioned casserole texture.

Can I use Italian sausage in Spaghetti Casserole?

Yes. For additional flavor, use 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound Italian sausage instead of one full pound of ground beef.

Can I leave out the spinach?

Yes. The spinach can be omitted. Simply combine the ricotta or cottage cheese with the sour cream for the creamy layer.

Why should I cook the spaghetti al dente?

The spaghetti continues cooking while the casserole bakes. Starting with al dente pasta helps prevent the finished spaghetti from becoming too soft.

Can Spaghetti Casserole be frozen?

Yes. Cool the casserole completely, divide it into portions, and freeze in airtight freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

How long should Spaghetti Casserole rest before serving?

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set so it holds together better when sliced and served.

Spaghetti Casserole – Southern Family Favorite

Name: Spaghetti Casserole – Southern Family Favorite
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, or 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb Italian sausage; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (24-oz) jar pasta sauce; 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 (8-oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed completely dry; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking dish. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Cook the meat and onion. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Finish the meat sauce. Stir in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare the spaghetti layer. Place the cooked and drained spaghetti in a large bowl. Toss with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Add the beaten eggs and toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Make the creamy spinach layer. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream, and thoroughly dried spinach.
Assemble the casserole. Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the creamy spinach mixture over the spaghetti, then spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top.
Bake covered. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Add the cheese topping. Remove the foil. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the casserole.
Finish baking. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Rest before serving. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the layers time to set and makes the casserole easier to serve.

Optional: If you prefer a little more color on the cheese, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes after baking. Watch it closely so the cheese does not burn.

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti Casserole is a complete main dish, but it pairs especially well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, green beans, or steamed broccoli.

Main Dish