A rich and creamy baked spaghetti casserole layered with savory meat sauce, tender pasta coated in cream cheese, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:12 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch garlic salt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer briefly.
In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt until evenly coated.
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the baking dish. Add the creamy spaghetti mixture, then top with remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Softened cream cheese mixes more easily for a smooth texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Try different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for variation.
Cover with foil when reheating to prevent drying out.
Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezes well for up to 2 months before or after baking.