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Cheesy Monterey Spinach Baked Spaghetti Casserole: Your New Family Favorite

Are you tired of the constant dinner dilemma? You know the one where you stare into space, desperately trying to remember what easy and delicious meal you can whip up to please the entire family? Look no further! Our Cheesy Monterey Spinach Baked Spaghetti Casserole is here to save the day. Packed with the kind of cheesy goodness that’ll make your kids dance in their seats, this simple yet satisfying recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and charming enough for weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Monterey Spinach Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. With flavors that mingle like old friends at a reunion, it not only appeals to picky eaters but also brings smiles to the dinner table. Plus, it’s a super easy one-dish meal, meaning less cleanup for you! So gather your family around, share a few laughs, and enjoy a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into what you need to get this cheesy masterpiece going. You probably have many of these ingredients already in your kitchen—bonus!

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (because we all need a little green in our lives)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Cheesy Perfection

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a large pot and bring salted water to a boil. Cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.

2. Sauté the Spinach: While that water’s boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Toss in the spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it’s wilted. Your kitchen will smell fabulous—a little like a fancy restaurant!

3. Mix Up the Goods: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the sautéed spinach and marinara sauce.

4. Toss in the Pasta: Once your spaghetti is cooked and drained (don’t forget to save a little pasta water in case your mixture feels too thick), fold it into the cheesy-spinach mixture. Oh, the magic is happening!

5. Layer It Up: In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, then top with the remaining Monterey Jack and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the rest of the spaghetti, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.

6. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil (don’t let it touch the cheese, maybe use a toothpick to keep it up), and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Cooking Tips

• Cheese Lovers Unite! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese assortment! Gouda, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese can take this dish to the next level.

• Storing Leftovers: Sneak any leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge. It stays great for up to 3 days, but let’s be real—leftovers might not last that long!

• Vegetarian Delights: You can add other vegetables into the mix, such as zucchini or bell peppers, if you’re feeling adventurous!

Personal Anecdotes

This Cheesy Monterey Spinach Baked Spaghetti Casserole holds a special place in my heart. I first made it for a family gathering, and it was so popular that my children begged for it every week! It’s hard not to love a dish that brings everyone together like that. And let’s face it, any recipe that gets my kids to eat their veggies is a win in my book!

FAQs

Can I substitute ricotta in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese or cream cheese can work well, too, depending on your preferred taste and texture.

How can I store leftovers?
Simply place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready for round two.

What if my casserole is too dry?
Fear not! Just add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a bit more marinara sauce to revive it.

So there you have it—a delicious and comforting Cheesy Monterey Spinach Baked Spaghetti Casserole that’s bound to become your family’s new favorite dinner. Grab your apron, and let’s embrace this culinary adventure together! For more delightful recipes like this, don’t forget to check my collection of easy casseroles or family-friendly meals. Happy cooking!

Meta Description:
Cheesy Monterey Spinach Baked Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect recipe for family dinners. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will be a hit! Try it today!