Ultimate Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole
This Ultimate Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich and flavorful meat sauce, and abundant amounts of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for feeding a family or serving at a dinner party, this dish is incredibly versatile, allowing for your choice of pasta sauce, additional vegetables, or even swapping in all ground beef for a meatier option. The secret to the best flavor is preparing the meat sauce a day in advance; this allows the spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully. Don't forget the option of adding in olives for that extra burst of flavor! Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into this easy-to-make casserole that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti
12 ounces (Cooked to al dente)
Eggs
2 (Slightly beaten)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 cup
Ground Beef
1/2 lb (Browned)
Ground Pork
1/2 lb (Browned)
Dried Oregano
2 - 3 teaspoons
Dried Basil
1 teaspoon
Dried Chili Pepper Flakes
2 teaspoons (Or to taste)
Onion
1 large (Chopped)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (Seeded and chopped)
Jalapeno Pepper
1 - 2 (Seeded and finely chopped (optional))
Minced Fresh Garlic
2 - 3 tablespoons
Canned Sliced Mushrooms
1 (10 ounce) can (Drained)
Sliced Green Olives
1/2 cup (Optional, can use more)
Crushed Tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can
Crushed Tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can
Salt and Black Pepper
To taste
Grated Mozzarella Cheese
3 cups (Divided)
Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 (10 ounce) cans (Undiluted)
Milk or Water
1/3 cup
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole?
It is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines layers of spaghetti, a rich meat sauce, and abundant amounts of gooey melted cheese.
What kind of meat is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 lb ground beef and 1/2 lb ground pork, both browned.
How much spaghetti do I need for this casserole?
You will need 12 ounces of spaghetti, cooked to an al dente texture.
What is the secret to the best flavor for this dish?
The secret is preparing the meat sauce a day in advance to allow the spices and ingredients to meld together.
Is this recipe spicy?
It can be, as it includes 2 teaspoons of dried chili pepper flakes and optional jalapenos.
Can I make this dish meatier?
Yes, you can swap the pork for all ground beef for a meatier version.
What types of cheese are required?
The recipe calls for Grated Parmesan Cheese and 3 cups of Grated Mozzarella Cheese.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, slightly beaten.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses two cans of crushed tomatoes: one 28 ounce can and one 14 ounce can.
Are there any optional ingredients?
Yes, sliced green olives and jalapeno peppers are optional additions for extra flavor.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe includes a large onion, a green bell pepper, and canned sliced mushrooms.
How much garlic should I add?
It is recommended to use 2 to 3 tablespoons of minced fresh garlic.
What herbs provide the Italian flavor?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How should the cream of mushroom soup be used?
You need two 10 ounce cans of undiluted cream of mushroom soup.
What liquid is mixed with the mushroom soup?
You should add 1/3 cup of either milk or water.
Is this dish suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for feeding a family or serving at a dinner party.
How should the mozzarella cheese be handled?
The 3 cups of grated mozzarella should be divided according to the assembly instructions.
Can I add extra olives?
Yes, the recipe notes you can use more than the suggested 1/2 cup of sliced green olives.
Should the mushrooms be drained?
Yes, the 10 ounce can of sliced mushrooms should be drained before use.
How many jalapenos are recommended?
If using them, 1 to 2 seeded and finely chopped jalapenos are recommended.
Is the parmesan cheese divided?
The recipe lists 1 cup of parmesan cheese and an additional 1/3 cup separately.
What type of bell pepper is used?
One green bell pepper that has been seeded and chopped is used.
Can I use different pasta sauce?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for your choice of pasta sauce.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The casserole is described as having layers of pasta and meat sauce topped with gooey melted cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The ingredient count for this recipe is 21.
Should the onion be cooked before adding?
The onion should be chopped and typically sauteed or added to the meat during the browning process.
What is the serving size?
The exact serving size is not specified, but it is described as a crowd-pleasing dish.
Is this recipe categorized as comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food, a casserole, and a family meal.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, the description mentions that you can add additional vegetables to customize the dish.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and black pepper should be added to taste.