Ranch Spaghetti Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish!
Are you tired of the same old spaghetti recipes? If you’re looking for a tasty and comforting meal that’s easy to make, look no further than Ranch Spaghetti Casserole! This flavorful dish combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing and sour cream. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even provide keto and low-carb versions of this delightful recipe. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering Ranch Spaghetti Casserole!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Add ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
4. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked spaghetti, browned ground beef, ranch dressing, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.
7. Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
8. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with your favorite meatless crumbles or diced vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gouda for unique flavor combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, ground turkey is a suitable substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Q: Is there a low-carb version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can create a low-carb version by using spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional spaghetti pasta. Additionally, opt for a low-carb ranch dressing and sour cream alternative.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives: Substitute the spaghetti with cooked spaghetti squash or spiralized zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
Low-Carb:
- Dairy-Free Options: Replace the sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast for a low-carb, dairy-free version.
Ranch Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and delight your taste buds with the deliciousness of Ranch Spaghetti Casserole!