Sunday Spaghetti Casserole
A hearty and comforting spaghetti casserole layered with savory meat, creamy cheese mixture, and melted cheddar, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 6 green onions, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Place butter in a cold skillet.
- Add garlic, mash with sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until butter is melted, then add ground beef and brown.
- Add tomato sauce and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
- Place cooked spaghetti in a greased 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
- Top with the cooked meat mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you prefer a bit more spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. To save time, use pre-cooked spaghetti or a different pasta variety, such as penne or rotini. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup, such as Cabbage Soup Or 'Just Good Soup', to balance the richness of the dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional green onions for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunday Spaghetti Casserole contains roughly 1489 calories, with 33g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 128g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for ground beef, providing a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed based on the protein you choose.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).