Baked Spaghetti Casserole
A comforting and flavorful dish filled with spaghetti, marinara, Italian sausage, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 16 oz Spaghetti Substitute with gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- 4 cups Marinara sauce Store-bought works, but homemade makes it extra special.
- 1 lb Italian sausage Use turkey sausage for a leaner dish or omit for a vegetarian version.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh is best; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Cheeses
- 15 oz Ricotta cheese Substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese Consider dairy-free cheese if lactose-free.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast is a great alternative for vegan dishes.
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Salt Season to taste.
- 1 tsp Pepper Season to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Mix until fully combined.
- Spoon half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese on top, then layer with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. It can be prepared a day in advance, just await to bake until ready to serve.