Go Back

Halloween Baked Spaghetti Casserole

A cozy and fun baked spaghetti casserole that's perfect for Halloween gatherings and family dinners, featuring a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and playful toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 3000
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed Regular or mild for a mild flavor, hot for a spicy kick
  • 3 oz tomato paste (half of a 6 oz can)
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes Can substitute with marinara sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt Adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 cup water
For the Pasta Layer
  • 12 oz dry spaghetti Cook only slightly underdone
  • 1 cup small-curd cottage cheese Can be substituted with ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Can use Romano for sharper flavor
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Can mix with provolone
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional) For garnish
  • 1 serving ghost or bat shapes cut from sliced provolone or pepperoni Optional festive decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles as it browns.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and water. Let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the spaghetti in well-salted water for about 2 minutes less than the package time. Drain it without rinsing.
Assembly
  1. Toss the drained spaghetti with the meat sauce until coated. In a small bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and black pepper.
  2. Lightly grease an 8×11-inch (2-quart) baking dish. Spread half of the sauced spaghetti in the bottom, spoon the cheese mixture over it, and top with the remaining spaghetti.
  3. Finish with mozzarella on top.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly at the edges and cheese has melted.
  2. Uncover and broil for 2 to 3 minutes for a golden top, keeping a close watch.
  3. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Can freeze individual portions or the full casserole for up to 3 months.