4.42 from 56 votes

Spaghetti Casserole

ByStacie Vaughan On October 18, 2024October 18, 2024

Spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. It combines all the best parts of spaghetti with the convenience of a casserole, giving you a hearty, delicious meal that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.

Layered pasta, creamy mushroom sauce, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and olives combine to make a perfect weekend supper. It’s a must-make recipe!

Growing up, we ate a lot of baked pasta casseroles. My mom was a big fan, and this recipe for Spaghetti Casserole was one of her favorites.

This casserole is delicious comfort food and worth the extra assembly required to make it.

It’s messy to eat but so good. It’s also huge, so it serves a good number of people. If your family is small, you’ll probably have some leftovers. It tastes just as good heated up the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious dinner
Meal for the whole family
Can make ahead of time and in bulk
Cheesy goodness
Good as leftovers

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Olive oil: Used to sauté the veggies and add flavor.
Sweet onion: Brings a nice balance of sweetness and savory flavors.
Green pepper: Adds a bit of crunch and freshness.
Diced tomatoes: Form the base of the sauce, giving it a rich, tangy flavor.
Sliced mushrooms: Add an earthy, meaty texture without any extra meat.
Black olives: Provide a salty, briny flavor to complement the other ingredients.
Dried oregano: A classic herb that gives the casserole a real Italian touch.
Lean ground beef: The main protein that makes this dish filling and satisfying.
Spaghetti noodles: The foundation of the casserole, holding all the flavors together.
Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor and that perfect cheesy gooeyness.
Cream of mushroom soup: Binds everything together while adding a creamy, mushroomy flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Finishes off the casserole with a salty, nutty topping.

How to Make Spaghetti Casserole

Follow along to learn how to make spaghetti casserole!

Step One: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step Two: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onions, and green peppers and cook, stirring often, for 7 to 9 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are softened.

Collage of cooking the ground beef and veggies.

Step Three: Add tomatoes, mushrooms, black olives and oregano. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Collage of adding more ingredients and spices to the pot.

Step Four: Add half of the spaghetti to the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with ½ of the tomato/beef mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Repeat these layers a second time.

Collage of adding the layers to the casserole dish.

Step Five: Mix the cream of mushroom soup and water in a small bowl. Pour evenly onto the casserole. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Collage of preparing the sauce and adding to the casserole dish.

Step Six: Bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

What to Serve with It

Although this could be a meal on its own, here are some options you could include for a side dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap out the protein: Try substituting the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For more protein, you can add Italian sausages.
Change the pasta: You can replace spaghetti noodles with other types of noodles. If you prefer, try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Cheese options: For something unique, mix things up with mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, or even gouda or blue cheese.
Fresh herbs: Add a pop of freshness with basil or parsley.
Mediterranean twist: Incorporate capers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Storage Instructions

Spaghetti Casserole is best stored covered in the fridge for no more than three days.

Can I Freeze?

Yes, you can freeze Spaghetti Casserole if covered and eaten within three months to avoid freezer burn!

How to Reheat

If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight to reheat your spaghetti casserole. Preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated. For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes until warmed.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choosing the pasta: While spaghetti is traditional, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni work great too. Just follow the cooking directions on the box to get the perfect texture.
Experiment with meats: Ground beef is classic, but you can try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a mix of meats to bring new flavors to your dish.
Boost the veggies: Add onions, peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
Cheese it up: Beyond cheddar, try layering mozzarella, ricotta, or a combo of ricotta and Parmesan for a rich, creamy twist.
Make-ahead magic: If you’re short on time, assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

How to Make Spaghetti Noodles Taste Better

Start by cooking your spaghetti in salted water (about one tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water). The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor, making a big difference in the final dish.

Cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite to it. Overcooked pasta can get mushy, especially in a casserole, so check it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.

And finally, using high-quality pasta, like one made from durum wheat semolina, will give you a better texture and flavor that holds up well with the sauce.

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