Description
A comforting and creamy baked casserole featuring spaghetti coated in melted cream cheese, layered with a flavorful ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 26 oz jar prepared spaghetti sauce
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cheese Mix
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning briefly until fragrant.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the prepared spaghetti sauce into the cooked beef mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cream Cheese: While spaghetti is still warm, mix in the cream cheese until fully melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom, layer the cream cheese coated spaghetti on top, then cover with the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve Suggestions: This casserole is satisfying on its own but can be served with a fresh side salad with vinaigrette or garlic bread. Pair with red wine or a sparkling beverage for a complete meal.
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers cooled and covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes or microwave individual servings.
Notes
- Ensure to drain excess fat from ground beef to avoid greasiness.
- Mix cream cheese into warm spaghetti to help it melt smoothly.
- Watch casserole during baking to avoid drying out; broil briefly at end for extra browning if desired.
- Pre-cook spaghetti and refrigerate to save time during assembly.
- Use a lightly greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
