Description
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish combining perfectly cooked spaghetti with a rich ground beef tomato sauce layered with creamy cheeses and baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for family dinners, it offers a delicious twist on traditional pasta baked dishes with layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese blend, and gooey mozzarella topping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon oil
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 sticks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-oz) package shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep 13×9-inch baking dish and set it aside. Gather and prepare all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Cook spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking, cover, and set aside for assembling later.
- Brown the beef and vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the beef until browned completely, breaking it apart as it cooks. If desired, drain excess grease. Then add diced onion and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
- Make the tomato sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in Italian seasoning and tomato paste to the beef and vegetables. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then turn off the heat.
- Stir up the cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, blend together softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This mixture creates a rich, tangy layer for the casserole.
- Put it together: Spread approximately one-quarter of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce. Spread the cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti evenly, then add the remaining spaghetti. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the top layer and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for more nutrition and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before layering.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix easily with ricotta and sour cream.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
