Description
This easy oven baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese is easy, delicious, and perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Marinara/Pasta Sauce: 5 cups (approx. two 22 oz jars) or make your own tomato sauce
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened/room temperature
- Garlic Clove: 1, minced or shredded
- Spaghetti Noodles: 16 oz (1 pound)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 and 1/2 cups, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make the sauce: Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to a large pan on medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the fat and return the beef to the pan with the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Mix on low for 1-2 minutes and then remove from the heat.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the instructions on the package, but cook it for a couple of minutes less than specified (so it doesn't overcook when it bakes). Drain the pasta and immediately mix in the softened cream cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Assemble the dish: Spread 2 cups of the sauce in a 9x13 baking dish, top with the spaghetti, top with the remaining sauce, then sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake the pasta in the preheated oven on the middle rack uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and starts to golden slightly.
Notes
Adding a few teaspoons of reserved pasta water may be helpful before draining the noodles and using it when you mix the cream cheese with the pasta, as it can be sticky, and the pasta water will help loosen it up.
You may find it helpful to cut the cream cheese into a few slices before adding it to the cooked pasta so it melts quicker and will be easier to mix in.
Nutrition facts are for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any errors. We have tested the recipe for accuracy, but your results may vary. Please note that this is not medical or nutrition advice. Seek advice from a licensed professional if you need advice. We are not liable for any damages caused by your use of this content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Bake, stove top
- Cuisine: Italian