Classic Spaghetti Casserole Your New Family Favorite

Classic Spaghetti Casserole Your New Family Favo

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) spaghetti
• 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (118ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (59ml) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (454g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavour)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can (794g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can (425g) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (237ml) shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

• Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
• Add the drained spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
• Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavours to meld.
• Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
• Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	450-550
Fat	20-25g
Fiber	N/A

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something seriously comforting? This spaghetti casserole recipe hits the spot. It is a hug in a baking dish. This recipe gives you a creamy, cheesy, beefy flavor explosion.

Brief Overview

This is an Italian casserole recipe with humble origins. It’s basically pasta night amped up. This comfort food casserole is an easy project.

It takes about 55 minutes, and serves 6-8 hungry people.

Main Benefits

The best benefit is pure happiness. It’s also packed with protein. This baked spaghetti recipe is perfect for potlucks. What makes this spaghetti bake recipe special? This recipe is a make ahead spaghetti casserole .

You can prep it in advance!

Craving Beef Casserole Recipes ? Let's dig into this Beef Recipes Easy . Honestly, I make this all the time. This isn't just food, it's family.

Ingredients Spotlight

The ingredients list isn't scary. You'll need spaghetti, ground beef, and some cheese. The usual suspects are there. Think onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. The secret weapon? Cream cheese!

Creamy, Cheesy Goodness

That's right, cream cheese! It makes this creamy spaghetti casserole extra decadent. It's that unexpected twist everyone loves. Honestly, you'll never look at spaghetti the same way.

Sharing is Caring

Imagine bringing this to a party. Picture everyone’s eyes widening when they see that cheesy top. This is about sharing good times, one forkful at a time.

I'm getting hungry just writing about it! Are you read for some amazing Pasta Dinners ?

Easy Casserole Recipes!

I get it. Weeknights are hectic. You want something quick and satisfying. This is one of those easy casserole recipes that saves the day. It's simple, delicious, and everyone loves it!

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, so you wanna whip up this awesome Spaghetti Casserole recipe ? Let's talk ingredients. This isn't rocket science, but good stuff in equals good stuff out, you know? This baked spaghetti recipe is a real crowd pleaser.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Casserole

First, the spaghetti. We're talking 1 pound (454g) of dried spaghetti. Don't overcook it! Al dente is key. Mushy pasta is a casserole killer.

Next up, 8 ounces (227g) of cream cheese. Softened! Trust me on this one. It needs to blend smoothly. Then, 1/2 cup (118ml) of sour cream and 1/4 cup (59ml) of grated Parmesan.

Now, the meat sauce. We need 1 tablespoon (15ml) of olive oil. Then, 1 pound (454g) of ground beef. I like an 80/20 blend for flavour.

Finally, 1 cup (237ml) of shredded mozzarella. Quality indicators? Fresh mozzarella is always a win. For the canned stuff, look for good brands, you get what you pay for.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You

Okay, here's where we get tasty. Oregano and basil are your best friends here. 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.

A pinch of red pepper flakes is optional, but I like a little kick. Salt and pepper, of course, to taste.

Don't be shy! A little goes a long way. You can experiment too! Italian seasoning works great as an alternative.

These essential spice combinations can elevate even the simplest Beef Casserole Recipes .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Don't stress about fancy equipment. You'll need a large pot for the spaghetti. A large skillet for the meat. A 9x13 inch baking dish is essential! And some mixing bowls.

Honestly, most of us have got those in the kitchen already. You can use a big saucepan for the meat sauce if you don't have a skillet.

This is how Easy Casserole Recipes are made!

This creamy spaghetti casserole isn't just a recipe; it's a hug in a dish, perfect for those cozy nights in.

I remember once trying to make a make ahead spaghetti casserole for a potluck and forgetting to add the cheese.

Disaster! But hey, even kitchen fails are part of the fun.

So, grab your ingredients and let’s get this spaghetti bake recipe started. You'll have some delicious Italian casserole recipes in no time! It's comfort food casserole at its finest and one of the Beef Recipes Easy to make.

I promise.

Cooking Method: Baking Up the Best Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Alright, let’s dive into how to make this Classic Spaghetti Casserole . Honestly, I get cravings for this stuff! This Baked Spaghetti Recipe brings all the comfort food vibes.

We’re aiming for something easy, satisfying, and totally crowd pleasing. It’s the perfect dish for a casual weeknight dinner or a pasta dinners with friends.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, mise en place ! This fancy term just means getting organized. No one wants to be scrambling for oregano while the beef burns, you know? Get all your ingredients measured and chopped.

Soften that cream cheese, chop the onions, mince the garlic. This essential mise en place will save you time and stress.

Safety reminder : Be extra careful when handling hot pans and draining pasta, nobody wants burns!

Step-by-Step Process: Spaghetti Casserole Magic

Here's how we turn simple ingredients into pure deliciousness. Let's break down this spaghetti bake recipe :

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well!
2. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Get it smooth and creamy.
3. Add the drained spaghetti to the cheese mixture. Toss it to coat every strand.
4. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease. Trust me, you want to drain the grease!
5. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes . Let those flavours get to know each other!
7. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let it rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving. This lets the casserole set up a bit.
10. Eat and enjoy this Comfort food casserole

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Casserole Game

One secret? Don’t overcook the spaghetti! Al dente is key. I learned that the hard way, with a mushy casserole once.

Also, browning the beef well adds so much flavour. A deep sear on the ground beef develops a richer flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid : Forgetting to drain the beef grease seriously, don’t skip this step. The oil will separate with the fat, making the dish unpleasant.

If you're in a rush, you can totally make the meat sauce ahead of time. It’s great to make ahead spaghetti casserole . Honestly, it tastes even better the next day!

This easy casserole recipes is one of my favorite beef casserole recipes . It's just so simple and satisfying! This is the Italian casserole recipes that you have been looking for.

This beef recipes easy is so quick and easy. It also a fantastic creamy spaghetti casserole .

Recipe Notes for the Best Spaghetti Casserole

Okay, so you're ready to whip up this totally delish spaghetti casserole recipe . Before you dive in, let's chat about some extra bits.

I promise, they will help you make the absolute best baked spaghetti recipe . Honestly, these tips are like little cheat codes for maximum flavour.

Plating Like a Pro & Serving Suggestions

Let's face it; presentation matters. Who wants a sloppy pile? Not me, that's for sure! When serving this comfort food casserole , try cutting a nice, neat square.

Place it on a plate with a sprig of parsley for a pop of colour. A side of crusty garlic bread is mandatory, obviously! I always serve mine with a simple side salad.

A glass of Chianti? Chef's kiss . It makes for the perfect pasta dinners .

Super Smart Storage Tips

Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have some! Beef casserole recipes taste even better the next day. Honestly, the flavors have had time to meld.

Let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

You can also freeze this make ahead spaghetti casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Don't microwave, trust me! It gets a bit meh .

Playing with the Pasta: Variations Galore!

Got picky eaters? No problem! This spaghetti bake recipe is super flexible. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with some lentils or chopped mushrooms.

Honestly, you won't even miss the meat. If you're watching your carbs, try using whole wheat spaghetti. I've also used courgette noodles (zoodles) before and, let me tell you, it's yummy!.

For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This creamy spaghetti casserole is so versatile! This can include italian casserole recipes .

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, let's talk numbers. One serving of this spaghetti casserole recipe clocks in around 450-550 calories. You're also getting a hefty dose of protein around 30-35g thanks to the beef.

Plus, carbs for energy! I always say, everything in moderation, right? The beef provides iron and zinc. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants.

See? It's practically health food .

I hope this helped make your spaghetti casserole recipe making process even smoother and I hope your beef recipes easy meal is great, Now get in the kitchen and enjoy the process.

It's time to make something amazing.