The Best Spaghetti Casserole
+11 photos

The Best Spaghetti Casserole

12 servings
An easy spaghetti casserole to make for a fun twist on pasta night. Sour cream adds richness to noodles with beef and tomato sauce, baked with cheese.

Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • spaghetti
    1 package
  • cream cheese

    at room temperature

    1 package
  • fat-free sour cream
    1 container
  • mozzarella cheese

    divided

    2 c
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • ground beef
    2 lb
  • onion
    ¼ c
  • garlic
    2 tsp
  • Italian seasoning
    2 tsp
  • salt and black pepper
  • ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • meatless spaghetti sauce
    2 can
  • Parmesan cheese
    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until cooked through but still firm to the bite, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    While pasta cooks, stir cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese together until combined; set aside.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Heat olive oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef in large chunks and cook, undisturbed, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, breaking up meat into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until almost cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and tilt the pan to pool grease onto one side, trying to keep the beef mixture on the other. Use a large spoon to remove grease; discard grease once cooled.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Add marinara to beef mixture in skillet; stir until combined. Add reserved spaghetti. Fold and stir until well coated in sauce.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Transfer ½ of the pasta mixture to prepared baking dish. Spread sour cream mixture evenly over pasta mixture in baking dish, then top with remaining pasta mixture.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over spaghetti mixture. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place baking dish on a baking sheet.

    Step 8
  9. 9

    Bake in preheated oven until cheese has melted, about 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and sprinkle top with Parmesan cheese. Increase oven temperature to broil.

    Step 9
  10. 10

    Broil until cheese has started to turn golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

    Step 10
  11. 11

    Enjoy!

    Step 11
The Best Spaghetti Casserole
+11

The Best Spaghetti Casserole

60 min12 servings570 cal

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About this Recipe

The Best Spaghetti Casserole: Your New Go-To for Pasta Night

Are you ready to transform your regular pasta night into something truly extraordinary? Say hello to The Best Spaghetti Casserole, a delightful and easy spaghetti casserole that brings a comforting, homemade twist to a classic favorite. This dish isn't just spaghetti; it's a hearty, cheesy baked pasta experience that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a satisfying family dinner any night of the week.

What makes this spaghetti casserole stand out? It's all about the incredible richness and flavor. We start with tender spaghetti, perfectly coated in a creamy blend of sour cream and cream cheese, adding an irresistible depth and velvety texture that sets it apart. Layered with savory ground beef and a robust tomato sauce infused with fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning, every forkful is a symphony of flavors. Then, it's all crowned with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly and golden brown.

This recipe is designed for both ease and maximum flavor. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total time of only an hour, you can have a magnificent baked pasta dish on your table without spending hours in the kitchen. It yields 12 servings, making it ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or simply ensuring you have delicious leftovers.

Tips for Success & Variations:

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a subtle kick.
  • Veggies Welcome: Feel free to sauté some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: This rich spaghetti casserole with beef pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread to complete your meal. It's truly the ultimate comfort food for any occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions