This Creamy Baked Spaghetti is a comforting twist on classic baked pasta—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With ground beef, spaghetti sauce, cream cheese, and a mozzarella-Parmesan topping, this dish delivers all the cozy comfort of lasagna but with the texture of spaghetti.
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Cream cheese stirred into the noodles makes it luxuriously rich.
- 🥩 Savory Beef Layer: A hearty meat sauce adds depth and protein to every bite.
- 🍝 No Boil Lasagna Required: No need for layering—just toss and bake!
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Comes together in under an hour with minimal effort.
- 🔪 Great for Feeding a Crowd: Serve at potlucks, weeknight dinners, or freeze portions for later.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti (about 1½ cups dried)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1 (28 oz) jar spaghetti sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese , softened
- 1 clove garlic , minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of garlic salt (adjust to taste)
For Cheesy Finish:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other:
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing pan)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook for 10–12 minutes until al dente.
Drain well and return to the pot while still warm.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in:
- Spaghetti sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let simmer gently while preparing the cheese mixture.
Step 4: Mix in the Cream Cheese
To the cooked spaghetti, add:
- Softened cream cheese
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Pinch of garlic salt
Toss or stir until the cream cheese melts and evenly coats the pasta.
This gives a smooth, creamy base that holds up perfectly to the meat sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Pour a thin layer of meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spread the creamy spaghetti evenly over the meat layer.
Top with the remaining meat sauce .
Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses generously over the top.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes , or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp around the edges.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Step 7: Serve Warm & Enjoy!
Ladle out generous portions or cut into squares for easy serving.
Pair with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete dinner.
Tips for Success:
- 🧄 Use Fresh Garlic: For extra aroma and flavor, sauté garlic before adding to the pasta.
- 🧀 Cheese Swap: Add ricotta or Gouda for more complexity.
- 🥣 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake just before serving.
- 🥦 Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat or substitute with lentils or mushrooms.
- ❄️ Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled portions individually and freeze—reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.
- Serve with crusty rolls and a cold glass of milk or wine.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 8 servings):
(With lean beef and full-fat dairy – approximate)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
This Creamy Baked Spaghetti Dish brings together everything you love about Italian comfort food—but with a richer, cheesier twist. It’s like a hug in a casserole—perfectly baked, deeply flavorful, and always satisfying.
So go ahead and serve this up… because once you try it, you may never go back to plain spaghetti again!
