Description
Comfort meets Southern charm in this classic baked spaghetti casserole, where creamy cheese and hearty meat sauce create a delightful culinary symphony. Generous layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheddar promise a satisfying meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti (uncooked)
Cheese Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Seasoning and Other Ingredients:
- 1 can (24 ounces/680 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
- Boil spaghetti until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside, ensuring each strand is ready for layering.
- Sizzle onions and garlic in a skillet until fragrant, then introduce ground beef and cook until richly browned, carefully draining any excess fat.
- Enrich the meat with marinara sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors for 5-10 minutes.
- Create a creamy base by blending cooked spaghetti with whisked eggs and smooth sour cream, ensuring even distribution.
- Construct the casserole in a greased baking dish by creating alternating layers: first, spread half the spaghetti mixture, then generously cover with the robust meat sauce. Repeat the layering process.
- Crown the casserole with a luxurious blanket of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, promising a golden, melted finish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with appetizing intensity. Allow a brief cooling period before serving to let flavors meld and settle.
Notes
- Boost moisture by adding a splash of pasta water to the spaghetti mixture for extra creaminess and binding.
- Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
- Enhance flavor complexity by mixing different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a more robust taste profile.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating, which allows flavors to meld and saves time on busy days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 639 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 683 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg