Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole (Keto-Friendly) is a rich and creamy dish that combines the comforting flavors of spaghetti casserole with a low-carb twist. By using zucchini noodles (zoodles) or another keto-friendly pasta alternative, you can enjoy a decadent, cheesy casserole without the carbs from traditional pasta. The addition of cream cheese makes the casserole extra creamy and satisfying.
Here’s a simple recipe for Keto Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
Keto Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles (or use 4 cups of your favorite keto-friendly pasta, like shirataki noodles or palmini pasta)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce (or make your own with crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of stevia or erythritol)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- Spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer to create noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or buy pre-made zucchini noodles.
- Important: Zucchini contains a lot of water, so you’ll want to remove some of it before adding it to the casserole. Place the zoodles in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, gently squeeze out any excess water with a paper towel or cloth.
2. Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or your choice of ground meat) and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth. You can microwave the cream cheese for 20-30 seconds if it’s too firm to mix easily.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture along the bottom.
- Add the zucchini noodles on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the meat sauce mixture over the zucchini noodles, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring that the entire casserole is covered.
5. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- You can also broil the top for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end to get a crispy, golden finish if you prefer.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Storage:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave individual servings or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Veggies: You can mix in other low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach into the meat sauce for extra nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use Cauliflower Rice: If you’re craving more texture, you can add a layer of cauliflower rice (pre-cooked) under the zucchini noodles.
- Cheese Variations: You can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles are a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional spaghetti. They soak up the rich sauce and provide the texture of pasta without the carbs.
- Cream Cheese & Mozzarella: The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella makes for a creamy, cheesy base that melds perfectly with the savory meat sauce.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe is easily adaptable for different tastes and dietary preferences. You can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage, or even add more vegetables to make it your own.
This Keto Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, low-carb dish that the whole family will love. The creamy texture, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese make it an indulgent meal that won’t break your keto diet! Enjoy!
