Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering! This recipe elevates the classic spaghetti with a tempting layer of gooey cheeses and savory pasta sauce, creating an irresistible comfort food experience. Customize it with your favorite cheese variations or sneak in some veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a nutritional boost. This easy-to-make dish comes together quickly and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
1 lb (Cooked until almost al dente)
pasta sauce
16 ounces (Store-bought or homemade)
shredded mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 ounces (Shredded)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it is almost al dente. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
3
Lightly coat the bottom of a 9 X 13 inch baking dish (or two 8-inch pans) with half of the pasta sauce to prevent sticking.
4
In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the remaining pasta sauce, and then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses.
5
Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheese, ensuring a generous amount on top.
6
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden color.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.
8
Allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to let the layers set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish that elevates classic spaghetti by layering it with gooey cheeses and savory pasta sauce then baking it until bubbly.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of spaghetti, 16 ounces of pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and parmesan cheese.
At what temperature should I bake the casserole?
The casserole should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake?
It takes approximately 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden color.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 10 servings.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can sneak in veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a nutritional boost.
What kind of cheese is used in this casserole?
This recipe uses a blend of shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses with a topping of grated parmesan.
How should I prepare the spaghetti?
Cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to package instructions until it is almost al dente before draining.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 9 X 13 inch baking dish or two 8-inch pans.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the pan?
Lightly coat the bottom of the baking dish with half of the pasta sauce before adding the layers of spaghetti.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer half the cooked spaghetti, then half the remaining sauce, then half the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses, and repeat.
When should I add the parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top once the casserole has been removed from the oven after baking.
How long should I let the casserole cool?
Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to let the layers set.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its large serving size and crowd-pleasing nature make it perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
Can I customize the cheese types?
Yes, you can customize the dish with your favorite cheese variations to suit your taste.
What type of pasta sauce should I use?
You can use either store-bought or homemade pasta sauce depending on your preference.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as the pasta sauce used does not contain meat.
What makes the casserole a 'comfort food'?
The combination of pasta, savory sauce, and melted gooey cheeses creates a classic comfort food experience.
How much parmesan cheese do I need for the topping?
You will need 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While the recipe specifies spaghetti, you can try other long pasta shapes if preferred.
Is it easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as an easy-to-make dish that comes together quickly.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Although not in the original ingredients, you could easily add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a family-friendly meal that is great for gatherings.
What is the total amount of shredded cheese used?
The recipe uses a total of 16 ounces of shredded cheese (8oz mozzarella and 8oz Monterey Jack).
Why should the pasta be 'almost al dente'?
It should be slightly undercooked so it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.