Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with you because it’s one of my absolute favorites for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The lovely thing about this dish is how it combines all the flavors of a classic spaghetti meal but bakes them into a comforting, cheesy casserole that everyone’s bound to adore. If you’ve ever wanted an easy, hands-off meal that still feels like a warm hug on a plate, this is it.

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is how perfect it is for feeding a crowd without lots of fuss. I love that you can prep most of it quickly, let it do its thing in the slow cooker, and then come back to a bubbling, flavorful dinner that tastes like it simmered all day. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe shine, it’s all about simple, quality ingredients that marry well together—meaty, tangy, and cheesy all at once. You probably have most of these in your pantry and fridge already, which makes shopping super easy!

• Ground round: Choose fresh, lean ground beef for rich flavor without too much grease.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base—chop finely to blend seamlessly.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes a huge difference for depth of flavor.
• Uncooked spaghetti: Breaking it into pieces helps it cook evenly in the slow cooker.
• Tomato-and-basil pasta sauce: Pick a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade if you have time.
• Diced fire-roasted tomatoes: They bring a smoky, slightly charred taste that lifts the whole casserole.
• Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds that classic Italian vibe.
• Sharp Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives a nice tangy kick.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated on top for that finishing flavor and a lovely salty punch.

Variations

I love tweaking this Spaghetti Casserole Recipe to fit whatever mood or dietary need we have. Don’t hesitate to tweak it yourself—add extra veggies, swap cheeses, or go meatless.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use sautéed mushrooms and zucchini instead—I do this sometimes when my family wants a lighter meal.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a little heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Cheese Variations: Swap sharp cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for different melty textures and tastes.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and color—super easy and delicious.

How to Make Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground round and chopped onions together. I like to break the meat apart with my spatula as it cooks to get it evenly browned and crumbly. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once there’s no pink left, drain any excess fat—you’ll want the dish flavorful but not greasy.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now comes the fun part—layering! Spoon half of the cooked meat and onions into the bottom of a lightly greased 5-quart slow cooker. Then sprinkle the broken spaghetti pieces evenly over the meat. Finally, add the remaining meat mixture on top. This layering helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the noodles cook just right.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

Mix together the tomato-and-basil sauce, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, half a cup of water, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Pour this over the layered meat and spaghetti, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the sharp Cheddar cheese all over the top—don’t be shy here; the cheese is what makes it so irresistible!

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on Low for 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking hydrates the spaghetti and lets all those savory flavors come together perfectly. When the timer’s done, let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes before scooping—it helps it set a bit, making serving easier.

How to Serve Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top right before serving—it melts slightly and adds just the right salty, nutty flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, I toss on some chopped fresh basil or a few red pepper flakes for color and a little zing.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and some warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce. My family also loves roasted vegetables alongside it for some extra nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this in individual ramekins for a cute, personalized touch. Another fun idea I tried was layering it in a clear glass casserole dish so everyone could admire all the cheesy layers before digging in—it gets a lot of oohs and aahs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay great for up to 3 days. I’ve found the flavors deepen when you let it chill overnight, so sometimes leftover tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. When I’ve had extra, I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop portions into the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. If I have time, reheating in a 350°F oven works nicely too—it refreshes the melted cheese on top perfectly without overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Spaghetti Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my home because it’s reliable, hearty, and endlessly comforting. I love how easy it is to pull together and how happy it makes my family every time. I really encourage you to give it a try—you might find it becoming a beloved classic in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!

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