Grandma Lulu's Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Grandma Lulu's Baked Spaghetti Casserole, a family-favorite dish that combines layers of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday gatherings, this hearty recipe is packed with flavor from a medley of Italian spices, sautéed garlic, and onions. The addition of ricotta cheese and parmesan gives the casserole a rich, velvety texture, while a bubbling layer of melted mozzarella tops it off irresistibly. Easy to prepare in under 20 minutes of prep, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that offers six generously satisfying servings. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor and serve warm for a meal that feels like a big culinary hug—just as Grandma Lulu intended. Perfect for anyone searching for "easy baked spaghetti casserole recipes" or "comfort food casseroles," this dish will quickly become a household classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 7

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.

Step 8

Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the spaghetti, followed by a generous amount of the meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 9

Repeat the layers: the remaining spaghetti, the remaining ricotta mixture, the remaining meat sauce, and the final cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy Grandma Lulu's hearty and delicious baked spaghetti casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2311.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3548.4

Total Fat 217.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 93.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 907.4mg	0%
Sodium 5960.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 199.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.3g	0%
Total Sugars 27.3g
Protein 208.5g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 3285.5mg	0%
Iron 20.6mg	0%
Potassium 2002.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.5%

Protein: 23.2%

Carbs: 22.3%