Casserole de Spaghetti

Casserole de spaghetti combines the rich, familiar flavors of a traditional spaghetti dinner with the convenience and comfort of a baked casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings where you want to serve something hearty and satisfying. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

• Preparation Time: About 15-20 minutes
  • This includes cooking the spaghetti, preparing any meats or vegetables, and assembling the casserole.
• Baking Time: About 25-30 minutes
  

  Ingredients

  To make a delicious casserole de spaghetti, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Spaghetti: The base of the dish, cooked al dente. You can also use other pasta types like fettuccine or penne if you prefer.
  • Ground meat: Traditionally, ground beef is used, but you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or a combination for different flavors and textures.
  • Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that add depth to the meat sauce.
  • Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These provide the classic spaghetti flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought tomato sauce, depending on your preference.
  • Italian seasoning and fresh herbs: Dried Italian seasoning blends and fresh basil or parsley enhance the tomato sauce’s flavor.
  • Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives a sharp, salty kick. You can also include ricotta or cottage cheese for added richness.
  • Breadcrumbs and butter: A crispy topping made from breadcrumbs and melted butter adds texture and a delightful crunch.
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper, and sugar: These pantry staples balance flavors and help caramelize the ingredients.

  Preparation Steps

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Start by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
  3. Mix the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine everything well.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. For an extra creamy texture, you can dollop spoonfuls of ricotta or cottage cheese over the top before adding the final cheese layer.
  5. Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
  7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

  Tips and Variations

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or when you’re expecting guests.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian version. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed lentils for extra protein.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Gouda, cheddar, or fontina can provide a unique twist to the classic flavors.
  • Add Some Spice: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.