Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our mouthwatering The Best Spaghetti Casserole recipe! This hearty and flavorful casserole combines savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and onions with tender spaghetti noodles, all smothered in a rich and creamy sauce and topped with a generous layer of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying hungry appetites, this delicious casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of this classic dish!
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 2 lbs Ground beef
Produce:
- 2 tsp Minced garlic
- 1/4 cup Chopped onion
Condiments:
- 2 (26.5 ounce) cans Meatless spaghetti sauce
Pasta & Grains:
- 1 (16 ounce) package Spaghetti
Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Oils & Vinegars:
- Cooking spray
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
Dairy:
- 1 (8 ounce) package Cream cheese
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (16 ounce) container Fat-free sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Stir in the meatless spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, cream cheese, and sour cream until well combined.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top the spaghetti mixture with half of the meat sauce, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For added flavor, you can stir in some chopped fresh herbs such as basil or parsley into the meat sauce.
- Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to suit your taste.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Simply portion out any leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute the spaghetti noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce the carb content.
- Use a sugar-free spaghetti sauce and skip the sour cream to make the dish keto-friendly.
- Replace the fat-free sour cream with full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt for a higher fat content.
Low-Carb Version:
- Use a low-carb marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce with no added sugar.
- Swap out the spaghetti noodles for shirataki noodles or konjac noodles to significantly reduce the carb count.
- Opt for full-fat cheeses and sour cream to keep the dish low-carb and satisfying.
In conclusion, The Best Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners. With its layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy spaghetti mixture, and gooey melted cheese, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some classic comfort food, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience with this delicious spaghetti casserole!
