Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with Minced Meat and Vegetables

Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with Minced Meat and Vegetables

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Difficulty: Medium

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with Minced Meat and Vegetables is about to become your new go-to family dinner.

Think of it as a cross between baked spaghetti and lasagna—loaded with juicy ground meat, colorful veggies, and layers of gooey melted cheese that make every bite pure comfort.

Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prep, this casserole has everything you want in one baking dish: flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Meat and Vegetable Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or minced turkey

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium carrot, grated

• 1 small zucchini, diced

• ½ cup bell peppers, diced (any color)

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Pasta Mixture

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, cooked al dente

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesy Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti (Intensity: Easy)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8–9 minutes).

3. Drain and toss with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

4. Set aside while preparing the sauce.

💡 Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta—it will continue to soften when baked in the casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat & Vegetable Sauce (Intensity: Medium)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.

3. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

4. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (5–6 minutes).

5. Add grated carrot, zucchini, and bell peppers, stirring occasionally for 4–5 minutes until softened.

6. Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

7. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

8. Stir in the fresh parsley and remove from heat.

🍅 Chef’s Note: The vegetables blend beautifully into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and moisture while keeping the dish wholesome.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese-Pasta Mix (Intensity: Easy)

1. In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and the beaten egg.

2. Add the cooked spaghetti, tossing until it’s well coated with the creamy mixture.

3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

🧀 Tip: This step helps the pasta bake up creamy and flavorful instead of drying out.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole (Intensity: Medium)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter.

3. Spread half the spaghetti mixture evenly on the bottom.

4. Pour half of the meat-vegetable sauce over it and sprinkle a small handful of mozzarella.

5. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce.

6. Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan on top.

🎯 Intensity Level: Moderate layering process — requires a little patience for neat, even layers.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden (Intensity: Easy)

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden brown on top.

3. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing — this allows it to set and makes serving easier.

🔥 Optional: Sprinkle extra herbs like basil or oregano before serving for a fresh aroma.

🧀 Flavor and Intensity Profile

Each layer of this casserole is packed with comforting flavors — the kind that make you close your eyes for a second after the first bite.

⏱️ Recipe Timeline Overview

🧾 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

(Nutritional values may vary based on cheese type and serving size.)

🥦 Variations and Add-Ons

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.

• Veggie Lover’s Version: Add mushrooms, spinach, or chopped kale.

• Extra Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese into the sauce before layering.

• Cheese Overload: Add a middle cheese layer with provolone for a gooey surprise.

• Lighter Option: Use turkey mince, whole wheat spaghetti, and low-fat cheese.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• A fresh green salad with Italian vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• A glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade

For leftovers: serve with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra zing.

🧊 Storage and Reheating

• To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• To Freeze: Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

• To Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes until hot.

This recipe actually tastes better the next day because the flavors meld beautifully overnight.

💡 Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly underdone is perfect for baking.

2. Use quality cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.

3. Balance the sauce. Simmer long enough for rich, concentrated flavor.

4. Rest before slicing. It helps the layers set beautifully.

5. Add a crunchy top. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan before the final bake.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters love it.

• Perfect for meal prep — reheats like a dream.

• Combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one pan.

• Feels fancy but uses simple, everyday ingredients.

• Deliciously cheesy, saucy, and comforting without being greasy.

This casserole captures that “home-cooked comfort” feeling that pizza or takeout just can’t match.

🏁 Final Thoughts

There’s no denying it — this Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with Minced Meat and Vegetables is the ultimate comfort food.
Every forkful gives you that perfect combination of tender pasta, juicy meat, melted cheese, and flavorful veggies that make you want seconds (or thirds).

It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and made to impress. Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this casserole delivers big on flavor and satisfaction.

So, next time you’re looking for a meal that feels cozy, homemade, and downright delicious — skip the takeout menu and whip up this cheesy masterpiece. It’s everything you love about Italian comfort food baked into one perfect dish.