Looking for the ultimate comfort food to share with a friend or enjoy with your family? This baked spaghetti is the perfect choice! It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor—a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. Plus, it’s an easy recipe to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or as a thoughtful meal to bring to someone in need of a little comfort.
Baked pasta is a great option for meals that travel well. I also love this Baked Penne Pasta, and if you’re a fan of white sauce, Spinach Dip Pasta is a delicious choice. Pair these comforting casseroles with a fresh salad and warm bread for a complete meal that’s sure to make someone feel loved.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup chopped green bell peppers
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (16-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (4.5-ounce) can mushrooms, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
You can easily make this baked spaghetti gluten-free by swapping regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and using gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. It’s a simple way to enjoy the same delicious flavors while catering to dietary needs.
How to Make Baked Spaghetti
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Cook spaghetti for 8–10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onions, green peppers, and ground beef.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and oregano. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place half of the cooked spaghetti into the baking dish.
- Layer half of the meat mixture on top and sprinkle with 1 cup of Cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
- Add the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and water until smooth.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake and Serve:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes.
- Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe By Stacy Zeigler
I love this dish because it is so family-friendly. A friend from church delivered this meal with a side salad and some garlic bread when my third daughter was born, and I was surprised to see my two- and four-year-old daughters love it as much as they did! I had to have the recipe. Over the years, I’ve tried making some changes, like using Italian sausage instead of hamburger and leaving out the mushrooms for a family that didn’t like them, but I always seem to return to the original recipe. When I first received it, the cream of mushroom soup caught me a little off guard. I wasn’t sure how it would fit in with a pasta dish, but it’s definitely the secret ingredient that makes it such a comforting meal.
Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, making it a great meal to share with family or bring to a friend in need. With its hearty layers of pasta, sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and transport. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or as a thoughtful gesture, this dish is a delicious way to show you care!
Lightening someone’s load and showing support can be as simple as making a warm, delicious meal. With these easy meal recipes and thoughtful care tips, you can easily bring comfort.
Baked Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup green bell peppers
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes (16 oz)
- 1 can can mushrooms, drained (4.5 oz)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups mild Cheddar cheese
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz)
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti for 8–10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onions, green peppers, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and oregano. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place half of the cooked spaghetti into the baking dish. Layer half of the meat mixture on top and sprinkle with 1 cup of Cheddar cheese. Repeat layers.
- Add the Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup and water until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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