Ultimate Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This ultimate baked spaghetti is my twist on a comfort food classic Whenever pasta night needs a shakeup I turn to this recipe for layers of savory meat sauce creamy cheese and perfectly baked noodles all bubbling under a cheesy crust This is the kind of hearty dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and brings everyone to the table

My husband calls this million dollar spaghetti because of its lush texture and flavor The hidden layer of cream cheese always surprises and delights my guests

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Use classic dried spaghetti for the best structure and texture Look for pasta with a golden hue and minimal breakage
• Ground beef or mild Italian sausage: Adds hearty depth and richness Pick high quality freshly ground meat for the most flavor
• Marinara sauce: A flavorful tomato base binds everything together Choose a good jarred variety for convenience or your favorite homemade sauce for a special touch
• Cream cheese: Brings a decadent creamy element to the casserole Make sure it is fully softened for easy mixing
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to form a golden bubbly topping Pick low moisture mozzarella for optimal melting
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with aromatic herbs Always check your blend for freshness by giving it a sniff
• Olive oil: Optional for browning meat Adds richness and helps with browning Use extra virgin if possible
• Salt and pepper: Enhance all the other flavors Freshly ground black pepper packs the most punch

Step by Step Instructions

Cook and Drain Spaghetti:

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your spaghetti until it is just tender with a little bite Drain well and set aside to keep the pasta from getting soggy in the bake

Brown the Meat:

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat Add ground beef or sausage Break it apart as it cooks stirring until browned and no pink remains Drain off any excess fat so the casserole is not greasy

Simmer the Meat Sauce:

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat Sprinkle in Italian seasoning Mix well and simmer for about five minutes letting the flavors meld together Taste and add salt and pepper as needed

Prepare the Creamy Filling:

Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl Beat until smooth and creamy making sure there are no lumps This creates the secret velvety layer in your baked spaghetti

Combine Everything:

In a large mixing bowl fold together the cooked spaghetti meat sauce and creamy cream cheese Use a gentle hand to coat the pasta evenly with sauce and filling

Layer the Casserole:

Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into your lightly greased baking dish Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over this layer Spoon the remaining spaghetti over the cheese and finish with another cup of mozzarella on top

Bake to Perfection:

Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at three hundred fifty degrees for about twenty five minutes This helps everything heat through and meld together

Finish the Topping:

Remove the foil and continue baking for ten minutes longer until the cheese is fully melted bubbling and golden around the edges Let cool slightly before slicing so the layers hold together

Pin it

Cheesy mozzarella is hands down my favorite ingredient here It melts into gooey little pockets throughout the casserole and when I was a kid that golden cheesy top was always the first thing I went for My family still races for those corners

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days Just store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave For longer storage freeze individual slices well wrapped for up to two months Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to use ground turkey chicken or a meatless crumbled alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version Add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a nutrition boost Ricotta or cottage cheese can replace cream cheese for a different creamy profile

Serving Suggestions

Serve big square slices with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a full Italian style meal Leftover slices make a great portable lunch too Top with a sprinkle of parmesan or chopped basil for a finishing touch

Cultural and Historical Context

Baked spaghetti is like a playful cousin to classic lasagna a dish many Italian American families have adopted in their own unique ways It brings together the comforting flavors of layered pasta and cheese but with the ease of using spaghetti instead of lasagna sheets My grandma used to make a similar casserole after big Sunday suppers when there was always a little pasta to use up

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute Italian sausage for ground beef?

Absolutely! Italian sausage gives the dish a spicier, more robust flavor. Use sweet or spicy depending on your preference.

→ What type of cheese works best in this dish?

Mozzarella melts beautifully and complements the creamy filling. Feel free to mix in cheddar or provolone for added flavor.

→ How can I make this pasta bake extra creamy?

Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened and mix until smooth for a silky, creamy interior.

→ Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes! Homemade sauce adds freshness and depth, but high-quality jarred marinara works well for convenience.

→ What vegetables can I add for variety?

Try stirring in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.