Description
This hearty baked spaghetti casserole combines everything you love about lasagna and spaghetti in one incredibly comforting dish. It’s made with tender noodles, seasoned meat sauce, a dreamy cream cheese filling, and loads of melty cheese. Ideal for feeding a crowd, freezing for later, or simply making a cozy family dinner that everyone will devour.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 lb (450g) spaghetti, cooked al dente
2 tbsp butter
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz (680g) marinara or pasta sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
For the Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with butter. Set aside.
In a skillet, sauté diced onion. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in garlic, marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese or ricotta until smooth.
Layer half of the spaghetti in the baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over it. Top with the remaining spaghetti.
Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use half beef, half sausage for deeper flavor.
Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
Freeze before baking for best results when making ahead.
Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a luxurious twist.
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes