Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this indulgent Baked Spaghetti Casserole—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that layers al dente spaghetti, creamy cheese, and savory, marinara-infused ground beef. Perfectly golden and bubbling from the oven, this casserole combines the rich flavors of Italian comfort food with the ease of a one-dish meal. Cream cheese and sour cream create a luscious, velvety middle layer, while a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan delivers an irresistible cheesy crust. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and an easy bake, it’s perfect for busy families or casual gatherings. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and pair it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams spaghetti
- 500 grams ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 700 milliliters marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 115 grams cream cheese, softened
- 120 grams sour cream
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente according to package instructions (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the cooked beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti as evenly as possible, then layer with half of the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, spreading them evenly over the surface.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
665 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.3 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.2 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 119 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 970 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 33.2 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 413 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 253 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
