Hearty & Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake Recipe: Family Favorite

Creamy beefy spaghetti bake promises comfort in every delightful bite.

Rich pasta dishes often spark memories of warmth and satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Imagine layers of tender pasta nestled between savory beef and silky cheese sauce.

Robust flavors mingle beautifully, promising a meal that feels both indulgent and familiar.

Home cooks adore simple yet impressive dishes that bring everyone together around the table.

This recipe revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure You can want to savor.

Explore a delicious journey that guarantees smiles and clean plates.

Why You’ll Love Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Elevate classic spaghetti into a rich, hearty casserole that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing sensation.
• Combine smooth cream cheese with zesty meat sauce, creating a luxurious texture that delivers maximum taste in every single bite.
• Simplify meal preparation with a recipe that requires minimal prep, uses straightforward ingredients, and results in a complete meal that feeds the whole family without complicated techniques.
• Whip up this delicious dinner in under an hour, making it perfect for busy households craving a satisfying and comforting meal that doesn't demand hours of kitchen time.

Ingredients for Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for the casserole, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for flavor and moisture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty finish and golden crispy top layer.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta shape that absorbs creamy sauce and holds meat well, cook until al dente for best texture.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Adds robust tomato flavor and moisture to the dish, choose a high-quality brand for better taste.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, creamy texture and rich base, room temperature helps it blend easily.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal complexity with classic Mediterranean herbs.
• Minced Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Instructions to Make Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Kitchen Oven

Fire up your kitchen oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This will create the perfect warm environment for our delicious pasta adventure.

Step 2: Transform Ground Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat. Break it into tiny crumbles while it sizzles and turns a rich brown color. Once cooked, drain any extra fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce, creating a flavorful meat base.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 4: Creamy Pasta Magic

• Softened cream cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Minced garlic

Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts completely and coats each pasta strand with creamy goodness.

Step 5: Layer Your Culinary Masterpiece

• Creamy seasoned pasta
• Remaining meat sauce
• Sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbling top that signals your pasta is ready to devour.

Serving Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier. Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table cheer!

Pro Tips for Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove extra moisture, preventing a watery casserole.
• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending with spaghetti.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust Italian seasoning and garlic before combining with pasta to guarantee bold, balanced flavor throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate fresh parmesan cheese instead of using pre-shredded for better melting and richer taste on top of the casserole.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover to let the top become golden and crispy without drying out the pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.
• Microwave Option: Transfer a single portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Pairing Tips for Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Pair with Bold Cabernet Sauvignon: The rich, full-bodied red wine complements the creamy beef spaghetti's hearty flavors, cutting through the dish's richness with its robust tannins and dark fruit notes.
• Match with Crisp Caesar Salad: A zesty, crunchy caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, creamy pasta, balancing the meal with its tangy dressing and fresh romaine lettuce.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread acts as the perfect accompaniment, helping to soak up the extra sauce and adding a delightful crispy texture to the comforting baked spaghetti.
• Enhance with Roasted Broccoli: Lightly seasoned roasted broccoli brings a green, slightly charred element that cuts through the richness, adding nutritional value and a vibrant side to the main dish.

Variations of Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Spicy Southwest Spaghetti Blast: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Swap ground beef for roasted eggplant and zucchini, incorporate feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Chicken Alfredo Remix: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef, mix alfredo sauce with the cream cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley for a creamy chicken alternative.
• Vegetarian Lentil Surprise: Substitute ground beef with seasoned lentils, add mushrooms for extra texture, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a plant-based option.

FAQs About Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne or rotini. Just ensure you cook it al dente to maintain the right texture.

• How can I make this dish less fatty?

Use lean ground beef (90/10), drain fat completely, and consider using low-fat cream cheese to reduce overall calories.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What sides go well with this Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly and balance the rich, creamy flavors.

Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting creamy beefy spaghetti bake delivers classic Italian-American flavors in one hearty casserole. Melted cheese, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and al dente pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 8-ounce (226 grams) package cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 26-ounce (737 grams) jar prepared spaghetti sauce

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove of garlic, minced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal temperature for the casserole.
2. Heat a skillet and thoroughly cook the ground beef until completely browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Eliminate excess fat and integrate spaghetti sauce, creating a rich meat mixture.
3. Simultaneously cook spaghetti in boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain completely.
4. Transfer hot spaghetti to a large mixing bowl and immediately fold in cream cheese, introducing Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Stir vigorously until pasta becomes uniformly coated and cream cheese melts seamlessly.
5. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of oil or cooking spray. Distribute a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom to prevent potential sticking.
6. Carefully layer the cream cheese-infused spaghetti into the prepared dish, creating an even foundation.
7. Pour remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring complete coverage and distribution.
8. Generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese across the top, creating a delicate, golden topping.
9. Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown surface that signals perfect doneness.

Notes

• Prep ahead: This comforting casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning.
• Cheese flexibility: Swap parmesan with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• Meat variations: Ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as alternative protein options if you want to switch up the traditional beef recipe.
• Moisture matters: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother incorporation into the spaghetti, preventing lumpy texture.
• Leftovers storage: Store remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating in the oven or microwave for best results.
• Flavor boosters: Add red pepper flakes, extra garlic, or fresh herbs like basil for enhanced taste and personalized touch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg