Spaghetti casserole is the perfect comfort food—warm, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors. This easy-to-make dish combines the rich taste of a traditional spaghetti dinner with the convenience of a baked casserole. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. If you’re looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal, this spaghetti casserole is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and minimal prep time make this a stress-free recipe.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance and baked when needed.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different proteins, sauces, and cheeses.
Ingredients
To make this delicious spaghetti casserole, you’ll need:
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
- 12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds ground sirloin
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti or marinara sauce
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large high-sided skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, stir together:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
Set aside for layering later.
Step 4: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground sirloin in large chunks and cook, undisturbed, until lightly browned (about 2 minutes).
Add:
- Chopped onion
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Break up the meat into smaller pieces and continue cooking until almost done (about 3 more minutes).
Tilt the pan to collect grease on one side, then use a spoon to remove it. Discard once cooled.
Stir in both jars of marinara sauce, mixing well.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the baking dish.
- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place the dish on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and broil for 3-4 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Variations & Swaps
Protein Swaps
- Swap ground sirloin for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Use a meatless substitute for a vegetarian option.
Cheese Variations
- Try a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- Substitute ricotta cheese for cream cheese for a classic lasagna-like texture.
Sauce Options
- Use homemade marinara sauce for a fresh flavor.
- Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.
What to Serve With Spaghetti Casserole
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic bread
- A fresh Caesar or garden salad
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon)
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just make sure to slightly undercook the pasta before baking, as gluten-free varieties tend to soften more.
How can I make this dish lighter?
- Use light sour cream and low-fat mozzarella.
- Swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for meal planning. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or meal prepping, this cheesy, baked pasta dish is sure to satisfy!
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