Description
A deliciously creamy twist on classic spaghetti, this baked version features a luscious cream cheese sauce layered with seasoned ground beef and topped with melted mozzarella for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the cream cheese sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
For the pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the meat sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine flavors.
3️⃣ Make the cream cheese sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add half of the meat sauce as the base layer. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce until evenly coated, then layer it on top of the meat sauce. Add the remaining meat sauce on top of the pasta layer.
5️⃣ Top with mozzarella and bake:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Serve:
Allow the baked spaghetti to cool slightly, then serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian option: Swap ground beef for chopped veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6