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Leftover Spaghetti Bake Recipe

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Leftover Spaghetti Bake is a comforting and easy casserole that transforms leftover spaghetti into a deliciously cheesy baked dish. Combining spaghetti noodles with pasta sauce, eggs, Italian seasoning, and a blend of cheeses, this bake also incorporates optional protein like ground beef or shredded chicken, making it a perfect way to reduce food waste while enjoying a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces leftover spaghetti noodles
  • 1 cup pasta sauce
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef or shredded chicken

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine leftover spaghetti noodles, pasta sauce, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. If using, add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Initial bake: Pour the spaghetti mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
  4. Add toppings and finish baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and chopped mushrooms evenly over the top, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese and softens the mushrooms.

Notes

  • You can substitute mozzarella with any melting cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack for variation.
  • If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef or chicken.
  • Leftover spaghetti noodles work best if they are plain or lightly sauced.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; cheese should be melted and bubbly when done.

Keywords: leftover spaghetti, spaghetti bake, casserole, easy dinner, pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake