Creamy Baked Spaghetti Corn Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Baked spaghetti corn casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the satisfying textures of spaghetti, the sweetness of corn, and the richness of a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing meal. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked spaghetti. This recipe provides detailed steps to create a delicious, creamy, and cheesy baked spaghetti corn casserole. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling content.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow, even for novice cooks.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This casserole is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences. Add different vegetables, meats, or cheeses to create your own unique version.
* **Great for Leftovers:** Baked spaghetti corn casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or using up leftovers.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Spaghetti:** 1 pound, cooked according to package directions and drained. You can use regular or whole-wheat spaghetti.
* **Corn:** 1 (15-ounce) can of creamed corn and 1 (15-ounce) can of whole kernel corn, drained. Fresh or frozen corn can also be used.
* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound, browned and drained of excess grease. You can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. This adds flavor and depth to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent aroma and enhances the overall taste.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15-ounce) can. Provides a rich and tangy base for the sauce.
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened. This creates a creamy and decadent texture.
* **Sour Cream:** 1 cup. Adds a tangy flavor and contributes to the creamy consistency.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded. Provides a sharp and cheesy topping.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons. Helps to thicken the cream sauce.
* **Milk:** 1 cup. Used to create the right consistency for the cream sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Essential for seasoning the dish.
* **Italian Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon. Adds an aromatic and flavorful touch.
* **Optional:** Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Spaghetti

* Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Overcooking will result in mushy spaghetti. Drain well and set aside.

### 2. Brown the Ground Beef

* In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
* Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This step infuses the beef with flavor.

### 3. Make the Cream Sauce

* In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. This helps to thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let the sauce burn.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined. This creates a luscious and creamy sauce.
* Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the cream sauce. Stir well to combine.

### 4. Combine the Ingredients

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, browned ground beef mixture, creamed corn, and whole kernel corn. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
* Pour the cream sauce over the spaghetti mixture and stir gently to coat. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the spaghetti mushy.

### 5. Assemble the Casserole

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish.
* Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This creates a golden and cheesy crust.

### 6. Bake the Casserole

* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut.

### 7. Serve and Enjoy

* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve the baked spaghetti corn casserole hot and enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** For extra nutrients and flavor, add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or vegetarian meat substitutes.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the casserole.
* **Use Fresh Corn:** If you have fresh corn available, grill or boil it and cut the kernels off the cob. This adds a fresh and vibrant flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Add Bread Crumbs:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese before baking.
* **Use Different Pasta Shapes:** While spaghetti is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of creamed corn or add a squeeze of lemon juice to the cream sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

Baked spaghetti corn casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

* **Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
* **Garlic Bread:** Warm garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing coleslaw to complement the richness of the casserole.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad for dessert.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover baked spaghetti corn casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* **Calories:** Approximately 450-550 per serving
* **Protein:** 25-35 grams per serving
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams per serving
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50 grams per serving

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen corn. Thaw it before adding it to the casserole.

**Q: Can I make this casserole without ground beef?**

A: Yes, you can omit the ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or vegetarian meat substitutes.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?**

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture.

**Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?**

A: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

**Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

**Q: Can I freeze this casserole?**

A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

**Q: What kind of cheese is best for this casserole?**

A: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.

**Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?**

A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.

**Q: Can I use different types of pasta?**

A: While spaghetti is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.

**Q: How do I prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy?**

A: Cook the spaghetti al dente and be careful not to overmix the ingredients when combining them.

## Conclusion

Baked spaghetti corn casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, sweet corn, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, potluck, or holiday gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Feel free to customize the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences and create your own unique version. Enjoy the process of making this delicious casserole and savor every bite!