Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti (or best pasta for casseroles)
1 lb ground beef (or lean ground beef for healthier options)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade spaghetti sauce)
8 oz cream cheese, softened (or low-fat cream cheese)
¼ cup sour cream (or light sour cream)
½ cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese alternative)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or mozzarella cheese for casseroles)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Parmesan cheese for pasta)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or herb seasoning for pasta)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or garlic salt)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
Salt and pepper to taste (or sea salt for cooking)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, or fresh herbs for garnish)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside. This will help the casserole cook evenly.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. The spaghetti for casserole should be tender but not overcooked.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Add the marinara sauce to the beef and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This makes a delicious meat sauce to layer over the spaghetti.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. This creamy mixture will make your casserole extra indulgent.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the dish, spreading it evenly.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti in an even layer.
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the cream cheese layer.
Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking, creating a perfect cheesy crust.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown. This step gives your casserole the perfect crispy topping.
7. Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. The combination of creamy cheese, hearty beef, and savory sauce makes this a family favorite!
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Optional Add-Ins:
Add sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. This is a great way to customize your casserole and add more veggies.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Calories: Approx. 400-450 kcal per serving
Servings: 6-8 servings
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