If you're dreaming of a bubbling, cheesy, and utterly comforting dinner that's ready in a flash, this 30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole is the answer! With layers of saucy spaghetti, savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and golden-melted cheese, every bite is pure weeknight magic.

What truly sets this casserole apart is how ridiculously easy and fast it comes together-no need for hours in the kitchen or multiple pots and pans. It's the ultimate family-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal, perfect for those busy nights when you're craving a hearty, home-cooked dish.

I've been making versions of this recipe for years-it's inspired by my favorite childhood pasta bakes and always brings rave reviews. It's the kind of dish you'll want to add to your regular dinner rotation, whether you're feeding a hungry family or need a delicious potluck contribution.

Cheesy, golden-topped 30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole fresh out of the oven

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes-perfect for busy nights
Incredibly cheesy, comforting, and full of classic Italian flavor
Kid-approved and great for leftovers
Easy to assemble ahead and bake when you're ready

Key Ingredients for 30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Spaghetti

This is the heart of the casserole, providing the classic noodle texture everyone loves. Break the spaghetti in half before boiling so it layers more easily in the baking dish. You can substitute with any similar long pasta-thin linguine or angel hair both work well.

Ground Beef

Juicy, browned ground beef brings hearty, savory flavor to every bite. Choose lean ground beef for less grease, or swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. To make it vegetarian, try cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.

Marinara Sauce

A rich, flavorful marinara sauce coats the pasta and ties the whole casserole together. Use your favorite jarred sauce for speed, or homemade if you have some on hand. Want to add a little kick? Use an arrabbiata sauce for a spicy twist.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta adds creamy richness, creating luscious pockets throughout the casserole. For extra tang, blend in some cottage cheese, or use mascarpone for a touch of decadence. If you're dairy-free, try a plant-based ricotta alternative.

Shredded Mozzarella

The golden, gooey cheese topping is what makes this casserole irresistible! Pre-shredded works just fine for convenience, but freshly shredded melts even better. For more flavor, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan or an Italian cheese blend.

30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole cooking process

Instructions for 30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Mix the Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper with the cooked beef. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with half of the meat sauce and toss to coat. Spread half of this spaghetti mixture in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce, then top with the rest of the cheeses.

Bake Until Golden

Bake, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 2 minutes-just keep an eye on it!

Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Slice and serve warm, and get ready for rave reviews!

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based ground, crumbled extra-firm tofu, or cooked lentils. You'll still get all the hearty, savory vibes with a fraction of the effort and a boost of plant power.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and double-check the labels on your marinara and cheeses. The results are every bit as comforting and delicious!

Amp Up the Veggies

Sneak in extra nutrition by adding sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or diced bell peppers to the sauce. They blend right in and add color, flavor, and texture.

Spicy Twist

Love a little heat? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a bolder, zesty casserole.

Extra Cheesy

Mix in a half-cup of cream cheese or a layer of provolone slices with the ricotta for an extra rich and gooey texture that cheese-lovers will swoon over.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this 30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette and some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all the saucy goodness. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep well! Store cooled casserole slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can freeze the casserole (whole or in portions) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About 30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent soggy spaghetti?

A: Be sure to cook your spaghetti just until al dente and drain it well before assembling. Tossing it with a little olive oil also helps prevent clumping and sogginess.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Yes! Feel free to swap in an Italian cheese blend, provolone, or add extra Parmesan for a sharper flavor. The casserole is very forgiving.

Q: How can I make this dish lighter?

A: Use ground turkey or chicken, part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, or extra veggies for a lighter-but still satisfying-version.

This 30-Minute Spaghetti Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: fast, comforting, and full of delicious Italian flavor. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out-leave a comment or rating below; I love hearing how it works for your family!