Are you looking to impress your family or friends with a delicious meal that’s both hearty and comforting? Look no further than Baked Spaghetti Casserole! This warm, cheesy dish combines spaghetti, savory meat, and creamy sauces, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this recipe takes the classic spaghetti to a whole new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Get dinner on the table in just over an hour.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these items in your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a favorite among kids and adults alike.
- Comfort Food: It’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for cozy nights.
- Make Ahead: Ideal for preparing in advance and popping into the oven later.
What sets this Baked Spaghetti Casserole apart is its rich blend of creamy and cheesy flavors that meld perfectly with the meat and sauce, giving you that delightful comfort in every bite.
Ingredients Needed
For the Base:
- Spaghetti
- Ground beef or sausage
For the Sauce:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (chopped)
For Assembly:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once done, drain it and set it aside.
- Prepare the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
- Brown the meat: Add your choice of ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep your casserole from becoming greasy.
- Mix in the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, cream cheese, and sour cream until everything is well combined. This will create a creamy, flavorful meat sauce.
- Combine: In a big bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture. This step ensures that every noodle is coated in delicious flavor.
- Layer it up: Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle on half of the mozzarella cheese. Then, layer the remaining spaghetti mixture, finishing with the rest of the mozzarella on top.
- Season the casserole: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top. This adds an extra boost of flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Cool before serving: Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly for better serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
For serving, consider topping your Baked Spaghetti Casserole with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Pair with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
To store any leftovers, keep the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
Helpful Notes
- Customize: Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Just cover tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Conclusion
Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a winning dish that offers comfort, ease, and incredible taste. Whether for a busy weeknight or a gathering, this meal is sure to impress. If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share it with your friends on social media, and let us know: What creative twists did you add to your casserole?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a great option for a healthier version of this dish.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti and double-check your sauces and cream cheese for gluten content.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Baked Spaghetti Casserole freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping for storage.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Sure! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the spaghetti without being too dry. It should cling to the noodles nicely for the best flavor.
Print
Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A warm, cheesy dish that combines spaghetti, savory meat, and creamy sauces, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil the spaghetti according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
- Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and brown it, draining excess fat.
- Mix in marinara sauce, cream cheese, and sour cream until well combined.
- In a big bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce mixture.
- Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a baking dish, add half of the mozzarella, layer the remaining spaghetti, and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, top with fresh basil or parsley. You can also customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 55mg