This Easy Baked Cream & Cottage Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it combines tender spaghetti noodles with a luscious blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella.
The casserole is layered with a rich tomato-meat sauce made from ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Once assembled, it’s baked until golden and bubbly, creating a perfectly creamy and hearty pasta casserole that’s sure to please the whole family.
Overview of the Creamy Spaghetti Casserole
The Easy Baked Cream & Cottage Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort to any meal. This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole combines tender spaghetti with a rich, creamy cheese mixture, creating a satisfying experience for the palate.
With layers of savory meat sauce and gooey mozzarella, this cheesy spaghetti bake is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a dish that not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart, making it a favorite among families.
Ingredients That Make It Special
To create this creamy spaghetti casserole, a variety of ingredients come together beautifully. The foundation is made of spaghetti, which is cooked to perfection and layered with a luscious blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream.
The meat sauce, prepared with ground beef, garlic, and Italian seasoning, adds depth and flavor to the dish. Topped with generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this baked spaghetti recipe is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
Preparation Steps for a Perfect Bake
Preparing this comfort food spaghetti is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by cooking the spaghetti until it reaches an al dente texture. While the pasta cooks, the meat sauce can be prepared by browning ground beef with onions and garlic, then simmering it with tomato sauce and spices.
Once the meat sauce is ready, the cheese filling is mixed until smooth. Layering the spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a baking dish creates a visually appealing and delicious casserole that will be the star of any meal.
Baking to Golden Perfection
After assembling the layers, the casserole is topped with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Covering it with aluminum foil helps to retain moisture during the initial baking phase. After 30 minutes, removing the foil allows the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown, creating an irresistible crust.
The aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes is enough to make anyone eager to dig in. Allowing the casserole to cool slightly before slicing ensures clean cuts and a beautiful presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This baked spaghetti casserole is versatile and can be served alongside various sides. A fresh garden salad or garlic bread complements the dish perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy layers.
For those looking to enhance the meal further, a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the presentation and flavor. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around the table.
Why This Casserole is a Family Favorite
The Easy Baked Cream & Cottage Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this creamy spaghetti casserole is sure to satisfy. With its hearty ingredients and cheesy goodness, it’s a recipe that will be cherished and requested time and again.
Creamy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole features layers of spaghetti and a creamy cheese mixture topped with a savory meat sauce. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g