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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal temperature for the casserole.
- 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.
- Simultaneously cook spaghetti in boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain completely.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully layer the cream cheese-infused spaghetti into the prepared dish, creating an even foundation.
- Pour remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring complete coverage and distribution.
- Generously sprinkle grated parmesan cheese across the top, creating a delicate, golden topping.
- 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