Here’s your full recipe profile for Baked Church Supper Spaghetti, complete with all requested sections and the wide line removed:
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a comforting casserole to bring people together—especially at a good old-fashioned church supper. This Baked Church Supper Spaghetti blends beloved spaghetti flavors with a rich, creamy cheese filling and gooey melted cheese on top. It’s the perfect dish for feeding a hungry crowd, making ahead for potlucks, or turning an ordinary Sunday dinner into something special. Comforting, cheesy, and irresistibly nostalgic—this dish is all heart.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The church supper casserole has long been a staple of American communal meals, especially in the Midwest and South. Baked spaghetti casseroles like this one emerged from the tradition of resourceful home cooks combining pantry staples to feed large groups economically. Today, they remain a cherished part of potlucks, family reunions, and community gatherings—serving not just food, but fellowship and love.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Optional Additions
- Red pepper flakes for a kick
- Sliced olives or mushrooms for extra depth
- Spinach or chopped zucchini for a veggie boost
- Use whole wheat or chickpea spaghetti for a healthier spin
- Top with crushed garlic croutons or breadcrumbs for crunch
Tips for Success
- Cook noodles al dente since they’ll continue cooking while baking.
- Let the cream cheese soften fully for easy mixing.
- Drain meat well to prevent a greasy bottom layer.
- Allow to rest 10–15 minutes after baking so it slices neatly.
- This dish is freezer-friendly—assemble ahead and freeze before baking.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the layers in the prepared baking dish:
- First layer: Half the cooked spaghetti
- Second layer: All of the cream cheese mixture
- Third layer: Remaining spaghetti
- Fourth layer: All of the meat sauce
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using.
Description
This baked spaghetti casserole is a hearty layering of al dente noodles, creamy cheese filling, savory tomato-meat sauce, and melty mozzarella—a flavor-packed dish that’s both rustic and refined. The contrast of creamy and tangy makes every bite satisfying. It’s a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: ~470
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Values will vary depending on the type of cheese and meat used.
Conclusion
Baked Church Supper Spaghetti is the kind of meal that brings people together around the table. It’s easy, cheesy, and endlessly satisfying—just the kind of recipe you want in your rotation for busy weeks, cozy weekends, or whenever you need a guaranteed winner. One bite, and you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time in kitchens across America.
Recommendation
Perfect for:
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Sunday dinners
- Freezer meal prep
- Leftover lunches (it reheats beautifully!)
Serve with:
- A green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or roasted vegetables
- A glass of iced tea or red wine
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To make this casserole more health-forward while keeping it indulgent:
- Use low-fat dairy products
- Replace ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles
- Swap standard noodles for whole grain or zucchini spirals
- Add layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra fiber
With a few thoughtful tweaks, this comfort classic can be both nourishing and satisfying—proof that indulgence and wellness can absolutely coexist.
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