Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (2024)

  • Recipes
  • Dinners
  • Comfort Food

Baked spaghetti casserole is like lasagna's easier cousin.

By

Elise Bauer

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated September 21, 2023

42 Ratings

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (2)

Trending Videos

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (3)

Okay, so this baked spaghetti is crazy good. Think lasagna, but made with thin spaghetti noodles or vermicelli instead.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti

You make baked spaghetti almost the same way you would make lasagna. It's a layered, baked casserole with a tomato-based meat sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, and pasta.

The main differences are that you use thin spaghetti noodles instead of wide lasagna pasta, and you toss in a couple of beaten eggs with the cooked noodles.

The eggs help bind the noodles in place so you can easily cut and serve even rectangles without them falling apart.

It's the perfect thing to serve a hungry teenage boy who is visiting for spring break, who somehow manages to eat his weight every day, who loves to skateboard and can play Minecraft for hours without getting bored. Not that I know anyone like this at all.

Jarred Sauce or Homemade? Your Choice

You can make your own or use a good quality jarred sauce. To make your own, make a double recipe of our basic tomato sauce, and blend it smooth to use for this baked spaghetti.

A Word About Mushrooms

If you don't like mushrooms, please feel free to leave them out. If you love mushrooms, I recommend using shiitake because they are so wonderfully flavorful. Or you could augment creminis with dried porcinis that have been reconstituted in hot water.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (4)

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Half the pleasure of making baked spaghetti or lasagna is enjoying the leftovers! This baked spaghetti will keep in the fridge for at least five days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave, or warm the whole casserole (covered with foil) in the oven at 350°F until bubbly again.

How to Freeze Lasagna and Other CasserolesREAD MORE:

Baked Pasta Casseroles Are the Best! Here Are 5 to Love

  • Cheesy Tortellini Casserole
  • Mint Ricotta Stuffed Shells
  • Lasagna
  • Butternut Squash Lasagna
  • Sausage, Spinach, Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Baked Spaghetti

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time105 mins

Total Time115 mins

Servings8to 10 servings

Save time on prep by chopping the onions and mushrooms while the sausage is cooking, and grating the cheese while the pasta is cooking.

You can assemble this up to a day ahead. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge, and add a few minutes to the bake time.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound vermicelli pasta or thin spaghetti

  • 1 pound sweet Italian sausage (removed from casings)

  • 1/4 pound shiitake or cremini mushrooms, roughly chopped

  • 1 medium onion, chopped, about 1 1/2 cups

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 3 cups (24 ounces) marinara or meatless tomato sauce,homemadeor store-bought

  • 1 1/2 cups water

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the casserole dish

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 large eggs,beaten

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 2 to 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Method

  1. Heat salted water for the pasta:

    Put a large pot of water on the stove on high heat. Add salt to the water, about 2 tablespoons of salt for 4 quarts of water. While the pasta water is heating, continue with the next steps.

  2. Cook the sausage:

    Break up the sausage into clumps into a large sauté pan. Turn the heat on, to medium. Slowly cook the sausage, breaking the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks. The slow cooking will help render the fat. Cook until the sausage is cooked through, no longer pink anywhere.

    Remove the sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain the fat from the pan (not into your sink or you may clog it!)

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (5)

  3. Cook the onions, mushrooms, and spices:

    Add the chopped onions and mushrooms to the pan. Increase the heat to medium high. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms have given up some of their liquid.

    Add the minced garlic and red chili pepper flakes, and cook a minute more.

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (6)

  4. Simmer the marinara, sausage, and seasonings:

    Add the marinara sauce and the 1 1/2 cups of water to the pan with the onions and mushrooms. Add the sausage back to the pan. Add the Italian seasoning and chopped parsley.

    Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to a very low simmer on the lowest setting on your stovetop. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or so while you make the pasta.

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (7)

  5. Cook and drain the pasta:

    By this time your pasta water should be boiling. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, at a rolling boil, for 5 to 6 minutes, al dente.

    Note that the pasta will continue to cook and absorb some of the sauce when it is in the casserole dish in the oven, so the pasta should be al dente. When ready, drain the pasta and rinse in cold water.

  6. Toss with olive oil, then eggs:

    Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, then the Parmesan, then 2 beaten eggs. It's easiest to do this with your (clean) hands.

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (8)

  7. Preheat oven and prepare casserole pan:

    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Rub the inside of a 9x13 inch casserole dish (a Pyrex dish works great) with olive oil.

  8. Layer sauce and pasta in casserole dish:

    Spread 1 cup of the sauce over the bottom of the casserole dish.

    Place half of the pasta in an even layer in the casserole dish. Cover with half of the sauce.

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (9)

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (10)

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (11)

  9. Add the cheeses and layer again:

    Dot the sauce with all of the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle half of the Mozzarella over the ricotta layer.

    Layer again with the remaining pasta, the remaining sauce, and the remaining mozzarella.

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (12)

  10. Bake:

    Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F. Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes uncovered. Remove from oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (13)

  • Comfort Food
  • Pasta Casseroles
  • Spaghettis
  • Italian
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
352Calories
18g Fat
24g Carbs
24g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8to 10
Amount per serving
Calories352
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g23%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 85mg28%
Sodium 1004mg44%
Total Carbohydrate 24g9%
Dietary Fiber 3g9%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 24g
Vitamin C 4mg22%
Calcium 388mg30%
Iron 2mg13%
Potassium 519mg11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Baked Spaghetti Casserole Is as Comforting as Lasagna for Way Less Work (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between a casserole and a lasagna? ›

While lasagna may not share the same ingredients as what comes to mind when you picture a typical casserole, it is not only the type of food within the dish that defines it. Any one-dish meal that is cooked in the oven in a wide, deep dish (or, casserole dish) is by definition a casserole.

What is the best way to cook spaghetti? ›

The most popular way to cook spaghetti is simple. Put the pasta into plenty of boiling water, stir it, bring it to a simmer, turn the heat off, put a lid on and leave it to finish cooking for 10-12 mins.

Are all casseroles baked? ›

The term “casserole” can refer to any dish prepared in a casserole dish—essentially a deep, wide baking dish—and baked in the oven. A casserole can have layers, as in the case of an Italian lasagna or a deep-dish pizza, or composed of some evenly distributed combination of veggies, a protein, and a starchy binder.

How long is spaghetti with meat good for in the fridge? ›

How Long Does Spaghetti Last In the Fridge? Store your cooked noodles and your spaghetti sauce with ground beef separately. The spaghetti noodles will last for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. The ground beef sauce, meanwhile, will last for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

What's the difference between baked spaghetti and lasagna? ›

The main differences are that you use thin spaghetti noodles instead of wide lasagna pasta, and you toss in a couple of beaten eggs with the cooked noodles.

Why do you use a casserole? ›

As we all know, casserole dishes are a kitchen superhero that can turn any meal prep into a breeze. From soups and stews to curries and tagines, these versatile dishes are ideal for making large portions that can be easily reheated and served buffet-style, allowing guests to help themselves.

What's the healthiest way to eat spaghetti? ›

To make your standard wheat-based pasta healthier, simply switch up the ratio of veggies to pasta: Double up on the veggie serving you'd normally have, and cut the pasta by a half or third. You'll keep the flavor, add extra fiber, and generally max out on nutritional quality, without ever noticing the difference.

What is the secret to good spaghetti? ›

For the best spaghetti, cook it in salted water.

Pasta water should taste salty. I add a lot of salt to our pasta water (it makes the pasta taste delicious). I add about one tablespoon of salt for every four quarts (16 cups) of water, which is perfect for cooking one pound of pasta.

How can I make my spaghetti taste better? ›

Here are my favorite ways to make canned spaghetti sauce more exciting!
  1. 1 - Extra virgin olive oil. Adding a good amount of a flavorful olive oil will go a long way in infusing flavor into your sauce. ...
  2. 2 - Fresh garlic. ...
  3. 3 - Meat. ...
  4. 4 - Hot pepper flakes. ...
  5. 5 - Red wine. ...
  6. 6 - Fresh or dried herbs. ...
  7. 7 - Cheese. ...
  8. 8 - Cream and/or butter.
Feb 26, 2018

Should casseroles be covered when baking? ›

In general, you'll want to bake a casserole covered with aluminum foil for most of the cooking time. Covering the casserole helps lock in moisture and prevents it from drying out.

How long should a casserole be in the oven? ›

The time a casserole takes to cook will vary from 2-2½ hours for chuck, blade and thick flank, up to 4 hours for shin, leg and neck. Pork cuts for braising and casseroling normally take 1½ hours, and lamb much the same.

What is the oldest casserole? ›

Macaroni and cheese is the oldest written casserole recipe found in 1250.

Can I eat 7 day old spaghetti sauce? ›

Saunier recommends following the FDA's Food Keeper app guidelines for jarred spaghetti sauce. She says that, in general, leftovers should be eaten, discarded, or frozen within four days, giving you plenty of time to find out what to do with the remaining contents of a bottle of Rao's.

Is it safe to eat spaghetti meat sauce left out overnight? ›

Opened jars of store-bought sauce and all homemade pasta sauce creations, regardless of ingredients, fall under the umbrella of perishable foods. Here's the golden rulefrom food safety experts: never leave perishable foods out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Can you eat 3 day old spaghetti? ›

According to USDA guidelines, you should use most cooked leftovers within 3-4 days if it is properly stored. Spaghetti needs to be stored in a refrigerator that is 40 degrees F or below. Food should be refrigerated at room temperature within 2 hours of serving and placed in a shallow airtight container.

What classifies a dish as a casserole? ›

A casserole is a one-dish meal that's baked and served from a sturdy baking dish that's itself known as a casserole. Casseroles can be main courses or side dishes like gratins or the famous Thanksgiving green bean casserole.

What do Italians call casserole? ›

casseruola. an earthenware casserole. the food cooked in a casserole. (cibo cotto in casseruola)

What is the difference between lasagna and lasagne? ›

In Italian, lasagna is the singular form of the noun, referring to a single flat sheet of the pasta, while lasagne is the plural form and thus the go-to word for the whole dish, which is made up of many sheets of pasta.

What do the French call a casserole? ›

noun. le ragoût masc. I'm going to make a casserole. Je vais faire un ragoût.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 5846

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.