Description
This hearty Baked Spaghetti Casserole combines tender spaghetti noodles with a savory ground beef and vegetable tomato sauce layered with a creamy blend of cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 1 (16-oz) package spaghetti (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon oil
Meat and Vegetables:
- 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 Layer:
- 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: Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a deep 13×9-inch baking dish and set aside. Gather and prepare all your ingredients for easy assembly.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, return to the pot, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, cover, and set aside to prevent sticking.
- 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, season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if desired. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
- Make the tomato sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in Italian seasoning and tomato paste into the beef and vegetable mixture. Add diced tomatoes and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Stir up the cheese layer: In a bowl, blend together softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Put it together: Spread about one-quarter of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti noodles over the sauce, then spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, then spoon the remaining meat sauce over the noodles. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer before assembling.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight before baking.
