Spaghetti Casserole takes everything you love about classic spaghetti and turns it into a cozy baked dish full of flavor. With layers of pasta, seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s hearty, delicious, and easy to make ahead.
This version adds a touch of sour cream, which gives it a rich, creamy twist that makes it extra special. It’s a dinner everyone (from kids to grandparents) will love.
It is also perfect for prepping ahead of time AND makes an easy freezer meal! Great for busy weeknights or sharing.
This pasta dish is a simple, classic dinner that will never go out of style. Serve it with Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots for a full meal.
This is a family favorite; we also love making Baked Spaghetti and Spaghetti Pie.
Why we think you’ll 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!
Spaghetti Casserole Ingredients
- Spaghetti (16 ounces): The base of the dish, tender and perfect for holding sauce. Or long pasta like angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine, or use shaped pasta such as penne and bow tie.
- Ground beef (2 pounds): Adds heartiness and flavor. We also like to use ½ Italian sausage with ½ ground beef, or replace it with ground chicken or ground turkey.
- Sour cream (1½ cups): The secret ingredient that makes it creamy and rich. Or use plain Greek yogurt, Ricotta cheese, or even cottage cheese.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes (1 teaspoon): Adds savory flavor and a hint of color.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb for depth and aroma.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds freshness and sweetness.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy topping. Or you can use a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Spaghetti or marinara sauce (2 jars, 26.5 ounces each): Ties it all together with bold tomato flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade.
- optional spice – red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- optional veggies – diced onions, mushrooms, shredded carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers
How to Make Spaghetti Casserole
PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F. While the oven is preheating, cook 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.
MEAT. While the spaghetti is cooking, add ground beef to a large skillet. Cook, breaking into small pieces, until browned and cooked through. Drain the grease. Return the ground beef to the skillet.
SAUCE. Add spaghetti sauce (or Marinara sauce), sour cream, garlic salt, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir everything to combine.
COMBINE. Add the cooked spaghetti noodles and mozzarella cheese to the skillet, and mix.
BAKE. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Top the casserole with the remaining cup of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- 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 baked spaghetti casserole with any fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Use sour cream for creaminess — it gives the casserole a rich, velvety texture.
- Cook the spaghetti only to al dente, not more so it doesn’t get mushy while baking.
- 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 quick and easy, but homemade spaghetti sauce or homemade marinara sauce can also be used.
- Cover with foil for the first bake to keep it moist, then uncover to brown the cheese.
- Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set and slice neatly.
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package spaghetti
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1½ 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.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
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.
Place in an airtight container(s) and store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Olive Garden Breadsticks
2 hrs 27 mins
Tomato Mozzarella Salad
8 mins
Garlic Knot Recipe
20 mins
Easy Bruschetta Recipe
14 mins
Spaghetti Recipes
Collections
This recipe was originally published May 2020.
Looks easy and delicious. Will try this later for sure. Thanks for sharing
So glad it caught your eye! Hope you love it when you try it.
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!
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!
Do I need to use garlic salt with parsley or is regular garlic salt okay? Same amount in recipe too?
You can use regular garlic salt if that’s what you have! And yes, same amount.
Thank you so much!
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.
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
Can I add ricotta cheese??
Yes, I’m sure you could!!
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!
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!.
Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try!
Can you use cream cheese instead of sour cream?
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.
I normally do not comment, this is AWESOME! It will become a part of the rotation!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the casserole! Thanks for the comment and rate!
OMG this was so yummy! My girls ask for it at least once a week.
Oh I’m so happy to hear that!! So glad to hear that the recipe is a hit!
Can you make ahead or no
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.
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.
Oh that is wonderful! Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad to hear that you (and your grandkids) enjoy the casserole.
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
No you can take some of the meat out if you like a little less. It should still taste yummy!!
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.
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
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
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!
Yay! I hope you enjoy the dish. And yes, absolutely! You can use whichever kind of pasta you prefer.
Why is sour cream in this recipe? What does it do, add or change? Can I omit it?
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.
Nice & delicious option! We can get tired of regular spaghetti & this was easy & family friendly!
This was a yummy dinner! Easy to throw together and the family loved it! Who knew traditional spaghetti could be any better!
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!
Thank you so much for sharing this super delicious spaghetti casserole! Very easy to make and fam really loves it!
This is such a fun and easy weeknight dinner. Delicious every time!
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.
Perfect!! Those are great options! Thank you for sharing that!
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!
Yay!! That’s what I love to hear! Thank you for letting me know!
All your recipes sound or look great
Thank you
Thank you so much!! Hope you like the ones you try 🙂
Really good! Added a little adobe and texas pete and used meatballs instead of hamburger. my family loved it.
Glad your family did! Thank you for trying it & for letting me know!
Sounds wonderful. Spaghetti sauce is not listed the ingredients. But is in the instructions. It obviously belongs in it. Anxious to try this one.
Sorry about that..it’s a jar of your favorite sauce 🙂
Havent made it although I would use ricotta instead of sour cream.
Definitely could 🙂
One jar of sauce or two?
Two jars! 🙂
A friend BROUGHT this to my family after my SO had surgery. My kids loved it! Glad I can come here for the recipe.
Spaghetti is a family favorite! I like being able to make it casserole style. I can make it ahead of time. So easy!
So good! This is the perfect family meal! I never hear any complaints when it’s spaghetti casserole night!
I am so excited to make this for my family!! Love spaghetti in casserole form! I like how simple & easy this looks!
I doubled the recipe and froze half! It’s delicious!
We have spaghetti at least every other week, so this is a great option to mix it up! My family really liked it!
Wha size jar of spagh sauce do you use?
24 ounce jar..sorry! I need to add that! Thank you!
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!
I hope you find some to try! Thanks for sharing how you made it vegan friendly 🙂
How much spaghetti sauce? BTW, i love your recipes!!!