Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole
This Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful twist on classic spaghetti, combining layers of delicious flavors that the whole family will enjoy. This dish features a rich blend of lean ground beef, vibrant red pepper, and a hint of jalapeño for a kick. With creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Romano cheese, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour. Adjust the seasoning as you please to cater to unique taste preferences!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
300 g (uncooked)
lean ground beef
1 lb (browned)
pureed jalapeno
1 tablespoon (to taste)
red pepper
1 (chopped)
pasta sauce
700 ml jar (store-bought)
Romano cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
eggs
2 (beaten)
ricotta cheese
1 cup (softened)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded (or more if desired))
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large nonstick skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain excess fat.
4
Add the chopped red pepper to the skillet and sauté until tender, stirring occasionally. Incorporate the pasta sauce and pureed jalapeno into the mix. Taste and adjust jalapeno heat as desired.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with Romano cheese, margarine, and beaten eggs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
6
Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in a greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Layer on the ricotta cheese, followed by the beef and pepper mixture, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with extra seasoning if desired!
Nutrition Information
16.3 g
Fat
31.3 g
Carbs
18.1 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole?
It is a comforting baked dish that combines spaghetti, lean ground beef, a blend of cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella, and a hint of jalapeno for a flavorful twist on traditional pasta.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of lean ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or even ground chicken if you prefer a different protein.
How much spaghetti is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 300 grams of uncooked spaghetti.
What does it mean to cook spaghetti 'al dente'?
Cooking pasta 'al dente' means it should be firm to the bite, which is important since it will continue to cook slightly while baking in the oven.
How do I prepare the red pepper?
The red pepper should be chopped and then sautéed in a skillet until it is tender.
What is the purpose of adding eggs to the spaghetti?
The beaten eggs act as a binder, helping the spaghetti layer hold its shape and creating a richer texture when baked.
Can I substitute margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of melted butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
How much pasta sauce is required?
The recipe uses one 700 ml jar of store-bought pasta sauce.
How much pureed jalapeno should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of pureed jalapeno, but you should adjust this to your personal heat preference.
What type of baking dish should I use?
A greased 13x9-inch baking dish is the ideal size for this casserole.
What are the three types of cheese used in this dish?
The recipe features grated Romano cheese, softened ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
In what order should I layer the casserole ingredients?
First, spread the spaghetti mixture; next, layer the ricotta cheese; then, add the beef and pepper mixture; finally, top it with shredded mozzarella.
How many calories are in one serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 18.1 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving has approximately 31.3 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the fat content of this dish?
A single serving contains about 16.3 grams of fat.
Can I add more mozzarella cheese than the recipe calls for?
Absolutely! You can add more than the suggested 1 cup of mozzarella if you prefer an extra cheesy topping.
Do I need to drain the beef after browning?
Yes, it is recommended to drain the excess fat after browning the lean ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
Is it necessary to let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, letting it cool slightly allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta besides spaghetti?
While spaghetti is traditional for this recipe, you can use other long noodles like linguine or even short pasta like penne if desired.
Is this recipe considered family-friendly?
Yes, its combination of beef, pasta, and melty cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
How do I make the ricotta cheese 'softened'?
You can let the ricotta sit at room temperature for a short period or stir it vigorously to make it easier to spread over the spaghetti.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef or replace it with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
What should I do if I don't have Romano cheese?
You can easily substitute Romano cheese with grated Parmesan cheese for a similar salty and nutty flavor.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
You can control the heat by adding more or less of the pureed jalapeno to the sauce mix after tasting it.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just increase the baking time slightly if cooking it straight from the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What are some good side dishes for this casserole?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich, cheesy flavors.