Weeknight Baked Spaghetti Casserole : The Ultimate Comfort Food with Layers of Cheesy Goodness

If you're looking for a delicious, hearty, and cheesy dinner that the entire family will love, this Weeknight Baked Spaghetti Casserole is exactly what you need. It combines perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, and a melty, cheesy topping that is simply irresistible. This casserole is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, and it's easy to prepare while delivering big on taste. Whether you're using plant-based meat or traditional ground beef, the result is a comforting dish that everyone will ask for again and again!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Weeknight Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole takes all the comforting flavors of a classic spaghetti dinner and elevates them by baking it all together with a crispy, cheesy top. It’s a fantastic way to switch up the typical pasta night and makes for an amazing meal when you’re craving something cozy. The combination of plant-based meat crumbles (or traditional beef/turkey) with the aromatic sauce and three kinds of cheese creates layers of flavor that make this casserole stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Weeknight Baked Spaghetti Casserole has so many reasons to become a regular in your dinner rotation:

• Easy to Prepare: It’s perfect for a quick and filling weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap in plant-based meat or use traditional ground meat based on your preference.
• Cheesy Goodness: With mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses all melted on top, it’s a cheese lover’s dream.
• Feeds a Crowd: This casserole is great for feeding the whole family or for making leftovers that taste even better the next day.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 3g

This baked spaghetti is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This baked spaghetti casserole is already packed with flavor and texture, but if you want to serve it with a side, here are some options:

• Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a light and crisp contrast to the rich casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try serving with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a healthy balance to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.

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Fun Fact: The History of Baked Spaghetti Casserole

The idea of baking pasta with sauce and cheese dates back to Italian-American cuisine, where families would bake large dishes of pasta to feed a crowd. The baking process gives the casserole a crispy, cheesy top layer while keeping the pasta tender and flavorful. Baked spaghetti casseroles quickly became popular for their ease, ability to feed many people, and of course, their deliciousness!

Cooking Tips

1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best melty texture, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions helps it finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
3. Add Extra Veggies: If you want to add more nutrition to the casserole, toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers into the sauce mixture.

Optional Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
• Swap the Cheese: If you love a sharp, tangy flavor, swap out the cheddar for sharp white cheddar or add some crumbled feta on top.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meat crumbles or omit the meat entirely and bulk up the sauce with extra veggies.

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Weeknight Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. uncooked spaghetti
• 1 (14 oz.) bag plant-based meat crumble (or ground beef/turkey)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup vegetable stock (organic)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions but stop 2 minutes short of the recommended time. Drain and transfer the cooked spaghetti to the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the plant-based meat crumble (or ground meat), breaking it up with a spoon and cooking until browned.
4. Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the vegetable stock and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 4-5 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Combine and bake: Pour the meat sauce over the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Toss the spaghetti to coat it evenly with the sauce. Top with mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses.
6. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
7. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan if desired.

Final Thoughts

Weeknight Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melty cheese that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without too much fuss, and it’s versatile enough to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you’re making it with plant-based meat or traditional ground beef, the result is always a cheesy, flavorful masterpiece!