Description
A comforting and creamy spaghetti casserole baked to perfection, bringing warmth and joy to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or vegetarian substitute
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce, adding dried basil and oregano. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Mix with Cream Cheese: Remove sauce from heat and fold in cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of cooked spaghetti at the bottom. Pour over the creamy sauce, evenly covering the pasta. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve it hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Notes
For a healthier option, consider using whole-wheat spaghetti or adding more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked pasta, casserole, comfort food, vegetarian recipe, Italian cuisine