Spaghetti Casserole is a quick and easy twist on the classic spaghetti dish. This casserole recipe features layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce and a creamy cheese blend stacked together, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness. The texture is a delightful mix of creamy and gooey with a satisfyingly crunchy cheese topping. Serve this spaghetti casserole on weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying meal or bring it to a potluck to impress your friends with its comforting flavors and appealing presentation.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Casserole
- Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, which ensures it holds up well during baking.
- Ground beef: You can use any fat content you prefer, but an 80/20 blend (80% lean meat to 20% fat) is a good middle ground.
- Onion and garlic: These aromatics add flavor to the ground beef. A yellow onion pairs perfectly with the meat and you can add more or less garlic for a milder or stronger taste.
- Spaghetti sauce: Use homemade marinara sauce or choose a high-quality jarred spaghetti sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Season the meat sauce with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Cream cheese: This recipe uses reduced-fat cream cheese to add a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds extra creaminess to the casserole. For a lighter version, you can choose reduced-fat sour cream without compromising taste.
- Green onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, mild flavor and a pop of color to the creamy cheese layer in the casserole.
- Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese: Shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese provides a melty, flavorful topping that adds a rich, cheesy finish to the casserole. For the best texture, grate your cheese fresh from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses typically contain anti-caking additives that prevent them from melting smoothly.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta and beef
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink, for six to eight minutes. Break up the beef into crumbles. Drain the excess fat.
Step 2: Make the meat and cheese sauces
Stir in the spaghetti sauce, salt and pepper. Boil the pasta and then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer the pasta uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until blended and stir in the green onions.
Step 3: Assemble and bake the casserole
Layer the spaghetti, cream cheese and meat mixture in a greased 11×7-in. baking dish. Top with shredded cheese. Bake, covered, at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese is bubbly, for five to ten minutes longer.
Spaghetti Pie Casserole Recipe Variations
- Switch the noodles: Try swapping the spaghetti for another pasta type sturdy enough to hold up under the layers, like ziti, rigatoni or rotini.
- Mix up the meat: You can also get creative with the meat in this recipe, adding ground sausage to the beef or using lighter ground turkey.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the meat and replace it with plant-based crumbles or sauteed mushrooms.
- Change the cheese: For an ultra-cheesy and decadent version, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and provolone cheeses into the casserole.
How to Store Spaghetti Casserole
Start by allowing the dish to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. Store the casserole in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°until it’s warmed through. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave. Just add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Can you freeze spaghetti casserole?
Yes, this casserole is a fantastic freezer meal choice. Prepare the recipe until baking, then wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to three months. Allow the casserole to thaw completely in the fridge and bake it as usual until it’s hot all the way through.
Can you make spaghetti casserole ahead of time?
This make-ahead method is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests without the last-minute rush. Prepare the casserole as directed, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days until you’re ready to bake.
Spaghetti Casserole Tips
What can you serve with spaghetti casserole?
You can serve this spaghetti casserole with a bright Greek salad or any of our favorite fresh side salad recipes. A green vegetable like roasted broccolini or steamed green beans would round out the meal, too. Pair with a big slice of garlic bread for a classic combination.
How do you prevent spaghetti casserole from drying out?
To prevent the casserole from drying out, keep it covered with foil while reheating. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to re-crisp.
Can I make this spaghetti casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the spaghetti sauce are labeled gluten-free. Be sure to check labels for any hidden sources of gluten, especially in processed foods and sauces.
