Description
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole brings pure comfort straight from your kitchen, melding creamy textures with hearty pasta. Warm, gooey cheese and tender noodles create a satisfying dinner perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 26 oz jar spaghetti sauce
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F and grab a large skillet for browning 1 lb ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from beef and incorporate the entire 26 oz jar of spaghetti sauce, then set mixture aside.
- Boil 12 oz spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain completely.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine hot spaghetti with 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Thoroughly mix until cream cheese melts and completely coats every strand of pasta.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin base layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
- Carefully transfer creamy spaghetti into the dish, creating an even layer across the sauce.
- Pour remaining meat sauce over the pasta and generously sprinkle ½ cup grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for exactly 30 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let your casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set properly.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture when coating the spaghetti.
- For extra richness, swap half the cream cheese with ricotta or add a layer of shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes work perfectly if you prefer a leaner protein option.
- Chop fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle on top after baking for a bright, fresh flavor boost that cuts through the richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg