Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
A warm and cheesy weeknight dinner that transforms leftover worries into happy plates with creamy pasta and hearty beef ragu.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti About ¾ of a standard box.
- 1 lb lean ground beef 85–90% lean works well.
- 1 28-oz jar spaghetti sauce Choose your favorite; marinara or meatless if you prefer.
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese Softened to room temperature.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated preferred.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese Use low-moisture for less weeping.
- 1 clove garlic Minced (or ½ tsp garlic paste).
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- a pinch garlic salt Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a little oil or nonstick spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain well.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking it up with a spatula, until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Return the beef to the skillet and stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Toss until the cream cheese coats the noodles.
Assembly
- Spread about half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Layer the cream-cheese-coated spaghetti over it, then spoon the remaining sauce on top.
- Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella over the top.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and starting to turn golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so slices hold together.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap half the ground beef for cooked lentils or use ground turkey. This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.