Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Ricotta, Beef, Sausage, and Bacon

Few dinners feel as comforting as a pan of baked spaghetti bubbling under a blanket of melted cheese. This baked spaghetti casserole layers tender pasta, creamy ricotta, a savory mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, and bacon, and plenty of Italian cheese. You get the flavors of a classic lasagna without boiling and stacking noodle sheets, which makes it much easier to pull together. Serve it straight from the oven for a family dinner, or assemble it ahead for potlucks and busy weeknights.

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Baked spaghetti casserole takes the layered, cheesy appeal of lasagna and swaps in everyday spaghetti. The pasta is tossed with egg and Parmesan so it holds together in the pan, then stacked with dollops of ricotta, a seasoned meat mixture, and a sauce made from jarred pasta sauce.

The result slices and scoops like a baked pasta dish, with creamy pockets of ricotta and crisp, golden cheese on top. It is a dependable recipe for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers reheat well.

Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Spaghetti – Forms the tender pasta layers that replace lasagna noodles.
• Ground beef chuck – Gives the meat mixture body and a hearty flavor.
• Italian sausage – Adds fennel, spice, and extra richness.
• Bacon – Brings smoky depth to the meat mixture.
• Salt – Seasons the meat and brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Black pepper – Adds mild heat and bite to the meat mixture.
• Onion – Cooks down to add sweetness and aroma.
• Mushrooms – Add an earthy flavor and a meaty texture.
• Italian seasoning – Gives the filling a classic herb flavor.
• Red pepper flakes – Add a gentle kick of heat.
• Olive oil – Coats the spaghetti so it does not clump.
• Eggs – Bind the pasta so the layers hold together when sliced.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps the pasta set.
• Pasta sauce – Adds tomato flavor and moisture to the casserole.
• Water – Cooks the spaghetti, and the starchy pasta water thins the sauce.
• Ricotta cheese – Adds creamy pockets between the layers.
• Italian blend cheese – Melts into a golden, bubbly layer in the middle and on top.

What type of pasta can you use?

I have made this recipe with bucatini and angel hair pasta. Bucatini is shaped like spaghetti, but the noodles are hollow.

I like to use angel hair pasta when I am in a hurry because thin spaghetti cooks most quickly.

You can use any pasta; this recipe is very flexible. Use what you have on hand. You can use whole wheat pasta for the extra goodness of whole grains. For a low-carb casserole, use low-carb spaghetti noodles.

How to Make Spaghetti Casserole

1. Sauté the ground beef, Italian sausage, and bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the meat with salt and pepper while it is cooking.
2. Chop the onion and mushrooms and add them to the pan.
   

   

3. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the meat. Stir to combine.
4. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, reserve some pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and place it n a large bowl
5. Add olive oil, eggs, and Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti. Stir to combine.
   

   

6. Place pasta sauce and pasta water into a separate bowl and stir to combine.
7. Ladle enough sauce to cover the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking or casserole dish.
8. Add half of the cooked spaghetti.
9. Place dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the spaghetti.
   

   

10. Spoon half of the meat over the ricotta cheese.
11. Sprinkle half of the shredded Italian blend cheese on top.
12. Pour enough sauce into the dish to cover the meat.
13. Place the remaining pasta on top.
14. Place the remaining meat on the pasta.
15. Sprinkle the remaining Italian cheese on top.
16. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Recipe Variations

You can make this recipe with one type of meat if you desire. I like using a mixture of Italian sausage and ground chuck because it gives a richer flavor.

You can substitute turkey sausage for the Italian sausage. You could even go for light turkey sausage, and that will taste splendid too.

If you can’t find an Italian cheese blend at your grocery store, mozzarella works very well. If you have some leftover vegetables in your pantry, you could easily add a little zucchini or carrots for a nice change.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Freezer Storage: Recommended for 2 to 3 months. Bake the casserole first, then wrap the pan in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw completely before reheating.

Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Reheating Method: Reheat small portions in the microwave. For larger amounts, cover the dish with aluminum foil and reheat at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes until hot throughout.

Looking for great spaghetti recipes? Try these family favorites!

• Chicken Spaghetti Bake
• Olive Garden Spaghetti Carbonara
• Spaghetti Salad
• Taco Spaghetti

Popular Italian Recipes

• Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
• Clam Sauce
• Eggplant Parmesan
• Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Favorite Casserole Recipes

• Dorito Casserole
• Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
• King Ranch Chicken Casserole
• Old Fashioned Tuna Casserole

Check out more of my easy pasta recipes and the best casserole recipes here on CopyKat!