Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole
Turn dinner into a family-favorite feast with this Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole—an irresistible blend of comfort food classics and cheesy indulgence. Perfectly al dente spaghetti is tossed in a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, layered with hearty marinara-infused ground beef, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Featuring fragrant garlic, sautéed onions, and a medley of Italian spices like oregano and basil, each bite is bursting with rich, savory flavor. Baked to golden perfection in just under an hour, this easy casserole is an ideal make-ahead dish for weeknights or potlucks. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you're looking for a kid-friendly crowd pleaser or a comforting meal for a cozy evening, this recipe delivers cheesy, saucy satisfaction every time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture. Toss until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Transfer half of the coated spaghetti to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Layer half of the marinara and ground beef mixture on top of the spaghetti. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Repeat the layers: add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the marinara mixture, and top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4258 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 306.4 g | 393% | |
| Saturated Fat | 159.0 g | 795% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 928 mg | 309% | |
| Sodium | 7299 mg | 317% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 178.3 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.0 g | ||
| Protein | 214.3 g | 429% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3228 mg | 248% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 1715 mg | 36% | |
*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.
