Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb lean ground beef
1 (28 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
A pinch of garlic salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and coats the pasta.
6. Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Add the spaghetti mixture in an even layer, then pour the remaining meat sauce on top.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella over the top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold its shape.
For extra flavor, use a bold marinara or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti, creamy spaghetti casserole, baked pasta dinner