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Spaghetti casserole is a comfort-food classic turned cheesy baked pasta dish. It’s a deliciously easy way to feed the family!

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Spaghetti Casserole in a white serving dish.

Easy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Have I mentioned how much we enjoy casseroles? Especially this spaghetti casserole!

Like most kids, ours LOVE Spaghetti, and this version is a cheesy favorite – plus, it’s crazy easy! We started with a meaty sauce and added sour cream and cheese to make it creamy and add flavor. For extra cheese we topped it with mozzarella and parmesan and baked it in the oven. So cheesy and so delicious!

It is also perfect for prepping ahead of time AND makes an easy freezer meal! Great for busy weeknights or for sharing.

This casserole is a simple, classic dinner that will never go out of style. Serve it with Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots for a full meal.

WHY WE LOVE IT:

  • An easy weeknight dinner. It’s so easy to whip up and throw into the oven for dinner. Just 20 minutes of prep!
  • Kid-approved. All the kids love this (and the adults do too)! It’s an elevated classic packed with creamy, cheesy flavor!
  • Makes a great freezer meal. This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time or freezing for later – perfect for sharing!
Cooked spaghetti in a yellow colander.

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti – angel hair is the most similar and keeps the “spaghetti” look, but you can also use shaped pasta such as penne and bow tie.
  • 2 pounds ground beef Use Italian sausage instead of, or along with ground beef, or use ground chicken or ground turkey.
  • 1½ cups sour cream – or Greek yogurt, Ricotta cheese, or even cottage cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 (26.5-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, or marinara sauce
  • optional spice red pepper flakes or hot sauce
  • optional veggies – diced onions, mushrooms, shredded carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers

How to Make Spaghetti Casserole

  1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F. While the oven is preheating, cook 16 ounces of spaghetti according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
    • Tip: Breaking the spaghetti noodles into quarters makes it easier to cut, serve, and eat.
  2. MEAT. While the spaghetti is cooking, add 2 pounds of ground beef to a large skillet. Cook, breaking into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Drain the grease, then return the ground beef to the skillet.
  3. SAUCE. Add 2 jars spaghetti sauce (or Marinara sauce), 1½ cups sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon basil to the skillet. Stir everything to combine.
  4. COMBINE. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese to the skillet, and mix.
  5. BAKE. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella and ½ cup parmesan cheese over the top.
    • Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and browned.
    • Garnish with any fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Close up of baked spaghetti casserole in a white baking dish.
5 from 140 votes

Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Spaghetti casserole is a comfort-food classic turned cheesy baked pasta dish. It's a deliciously easy way to feed the family!
Servings: 12
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • cups sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 (26.5-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, or marinara sauce

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions, then drain.
  • While the spaghetti is cooking, add the ground beef to a large skillet. Cook, breaking into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Drain the grease, then return the ground beef to the skillet.
  • Add the spaghetti sauce, sour cream, garlic salt, oregano, and basil to the skillet, and stir to combine. Add the noodles and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese to the skillet, and stir to combine.
  • Pour the casserole into a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Cover the casserole with foil and bake 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and browned.

Video

Notes

Recipe tips.
  • Cook the spaghetti only to al dente, not more; it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • We use all ground beef. For an easy twist, combine it with Italian sausage, or replace it with ground chicken or ground turkey.
  • We use store-bought sauce to make this quickly and easily, but homemade spaghetti sauce or homemade marinara sauce can also be used. 
Prep ahead. Boil the pasta to al dente. Assemble the casserole, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking, or wrap again with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Store leftovers in an airtight container(s) and store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 461kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 86mg, Sodium: 454mg, Potassium: 347mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 338IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 201mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Recipe FAQ

Prep ahead of time?

Boil the pasta to al dente. Assemble the casserole, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking, or wrap again with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to store spaghetti casserole?

Place in an airtight container(s) and store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 140 votes (116 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




61 Comments

  1. Nancy says:

    This is an excellent recipe! It is delicious. However there is no way it fits in a 9 x 13 baking dish…. more like two 9 x 13 baking dishes!

  2. Amber says:

    5 stars
    This is my go to baked spaghetti recipe. I’ve made it so many times now it’s second nature. I add more garlic salt and switch up the cheeses sometimes, but that’s personal taste. It is a wonderful recipe to have on hand!

  3. Celeste says:

    Do I need to use garlic salt with parsley or is regular garlic salt okay? Same amount in recipe too?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You can use regular garlic salt if that’s what you have! And yes, same amount.

      1. Celeste says:

        Thank you so much!

  4. Rick says:

    I can’t wait to make this wonderful looking casserole! I’ve made a few of your recipes and they have never failed to impress.

  5. Karen Funk says:

    5 stars
    I have made this several times. A quick, easy dish for dinner or potluck. just need lots of marinara or spaghetti sauce so it doesn’t dry out. also, don’t bake too long, and you have a delicious meal with garlic bread and a salad! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. lol

  6. Heather says:

    Can I add ricotta cheese??

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yes, I’m sure you could!!

  7. Savannah says:

    5 stars
    My family and I had this for supper tonight and we loved it! The only thing I did differently is I used lean ground beef and light sour cream. I will definitely make this again! Thank you for the good eats!

  8. Dobbs Rivers says:

    I tried this recipe and I was impressed,but I think this dish needs a day to make all come together. In other words,refrigerate overnight then reheat with foil on top. Zucchini squash is a great addition to this dish!.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try!

  9. Erin says:

    Can you use cream cheese instead of sour cream?

  10. Vickie G. says:

    5 stars
    This casserole was delicious! I definitely will make again. The only change I made was, I divided the casserole up into two 8 x 8 dishes instead of the 9 x 13. I was able to share one with my parents. They loved it too! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

  11. Ann B says:

    5 stars
    I normally do not comment, this is AWESOME! It will become a part of the rotation!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the casserole! Thanks for the comment and rate!

  12. Jessica K says:

    5 stars
    OMG this was so yummy! My girls ask for it at least once a week.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh I’m so happy to hear that!! So glad to hear that the recipe is a hit!

  13. Jessica Leighton says:

    Can you make ahead or no

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yes you can! You can make up to 24 hours beforehand. Or you can freeze it too! The only change you would make if freezing is to undercook the pasta slightly, then make as written.

  14. Georgia vance says:

    I make this spaghetti casserole all the time. It is so great. Three of my grandkids took the recipe to make themselves. Everyone who tastes this loves it. Thank you.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh that is wonderful! Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad to hear that you (and your grandkids) enjoy the casserole.

      1. Tabitha says:

        5 stars
        Can you make this with less then 2lbs of ground beef or is it required? AMAZING RECIPE.?

        I Just like less meat and don’t want to ruin the recipe if it’s needed

      2. Lil'Luna Team says:

        No you can take some of the meat out if you like a little less. It should still taste yummy!!

      3. Karen says:

        5 stars
        Very good! This is a very large recipe! I made half recipe because of the amount of ingredients I had on hand. Half recipe was plenty for 6 people. We all enjoyed it.

  15. Kimberly Hughes says:

    This recipe sounds awesome and I’m anxious to try it out! Would it be okay to use a different kind of pasta, for instance elbow or penne noodles? What do you think? I really appreciate the recipe and thank you in advance for your advice regarding the alternative types of pasta.
    With Sincere Gratitude,
    Kimberly

    1. Kimberly Hughes says:

      When I saw your link for spaghetti casserole, I immediately “jumped to the recipe” and totally overlooked the fact that you had already addressed the alternative pasta ideas for this meal! I apologize for the superfluous question that I just posted.
      Thanks again for this delicious sounding recipe! Will attempt to try it out this evening…
      Have a great day!
      Sincerely,
      Kimberly

      1. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Oh just seeing this comment now too! No worries at all. We’re happy to answer ANY questions you have! Hope you enjoy the recipe!

    2. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Yay! I hope you enjoy the dish. And yes, absolutely! You can use whichever kind of pasta you prefer.

  16. C. Madden says:

    Why is sour cream in this recipe? What does it do, add or change? Can I omit it?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      The sour cream makes the texture of the sauce creamy and delicious! You could leave it out — the dish would have a slightly different texture and flavor. You could also substitute plain greek yogurt for the sour cream.

  17. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    Nice & delicious option! We can get tired of regular spaghetti & this was easy & family friendly!

  18. Lisalia says:

    5 stars
    This was a yummy dinner! Easy to throw together and the family loved it! Who knew traditional spaghetti could be any better!

  19. Amy L Huntley says:

    5 stars
    So simple to put together. I feel like this is easier to eat than spaghetti too. My family enjoyed this recipe and we will be making it again soon!

  20. Allyssa says:

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing this super delicious spaghetti casserole! Very easy to make and fam really loves it!

  21. Katie says:

    5 stars
    This is such a fun and easy weeknight dinner. Delicious every time!

  22. Sadie H. Lyons says:

    5 stars
    This casserole recipe is so easy and it’s delicious. I did add extra spices to add a little more favor. I did not have any basil so I add Italian spice, garlic black pepper spice, onion powder and oregano. I used sharp cheese instead parmesan cheese.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Perfect!! Those are great options! Thank you for sharing that!

  23. Ruthi says:

    5 stars
    I absolutely loved it! This one is going into the file to make again and again. My only change was to add a layer of pepperoni on the very top and cooked that the last 15 minutes. My extremely picky hubby ate two very large servings!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Yay!! That’s what I love to hear! Thank you for letting me know!

  24. Darcie Songer says:

    5 stars
    All your recipes sound or look great

    Thank you

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thank you so much!! Hope you like the ones you try 🙂

  25. Gina says:

    5 stars
    Really good! Added a little adobe and texas pete and used meatballs instead of hamburger. my family loved it.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad your family did! Thank you for trying it & for letting me know!

  26. Roberta J Winkelman says:

    Sounds wonderful. Spaghetti sauce is not listed the ingredients. But is in the instructions. It obviously belongs in it. Anxious to try this one.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Sorry about that..it’s a jar of your favorite sauce 🙂

      1. Carol says:

        Havent made it although I would use ricotta instead of sour cream.

      2. Kristyn Merkley says:

        Definitely could 🙂

      3. Patty Smead says:

        One jar of sauce or two?

      4. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Two jars! 🙂

  27. Kristina says:

    5 stars
    A friend BROUGHT this to my family after my SO had surgery. My kids loved it! Glad I can come here for the recipe.

  28. Olivia says:

    5 stars
    Spaghetti is a family favorite! I like being able to make it casserole style. I can make it ahead of time. So easy!

  29. wilhelmina says:

    5 stars
    So good! This is the perfect family meal! I never hear any complaints when it’s spaghetti casserole night!

  30. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    I am so excited to make this for my family!! Love spaghetti in casserole form! I like how simple & easy this looks!

  31. Anna says:

    5 stars
    I doubled the recipe and froze half! It’s delicious!

  32. joy says:

    5 stars
    We have spaghetti at least every other week, so this is a great option to mix it up! My family really liked it!

    1. Liz AlexanDer says:

      Wha size jar of spagh sauce do you use?

      1. Kristyn Merkley says:

        24 ounce jar..sorry! I need to add that! Thank you!

  33. Erin says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved it! We used all vegan substitutes (Neat Italian, Daiya Pizzeria Blend, Follow your Heart sour cream, and FOllow Your Heart parmesan) and it was delicious and so filling.
    WE were unsure of how much spaghetti sauce to add, we put 18 ounces of sauce in the end, but that seemed to be too little. The sour cream was overpowering the flavor of the sauce a bit, so I’d recommend using at least a whole 24 ounce jar! Super excited to make more of your recipes!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I hope you find some to try! Thanks for sharing how you made it vegan friendly 🙂

  34. Tracey says:

    How much spaghetti sauce? BTW, i love your recipes!!!