By Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Baked Spaghetti Casserole captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Baked Spaghetti Casserole becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
16 ounces spaghetti
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24-ounce) jar Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil.
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat
Add the ground beef and diced onion
Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Stir in the entire jar of Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce and let it simmer while you prepare the pasta.
In the pot used to cook the spaghetti, combine the cooked spaghetti, butter, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss until the butter is melted and the pasta is coated.
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and pour them over the pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
7
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish
Top with half of the cottage cheese, half of the meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and hearty meal with your loved ones.
Prep Time: 30 min
Cooking Time: 40 min
Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
Servings: 12
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
