Description
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, this comforting casserole is a twist on traditional spaghetti. The blend of cream cheese, marinara, and savory meat makes every bite indulgent. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat if needed. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix Pasta with Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the hot spaghetti with the softened cream cheese. Toss until the cream cheese is evenly distributed and the spaghetti is creamy.
- Layer the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Always cook the spaghetti until al dente (firm to the bite) to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. This ensures the perfect texture in the final dish.
- Layer Evenly: Spread the meat sauce, cream cheese-coated pasta, and cheese evenly to achieve a balanced flavor in every bite. Overlapping layers create a more cohesive and satisfying casserole.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it with the spaghetti. This allows for smooth blending and ensures every strand of pasta is coated evenly with creamy goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 MIN
- Cook Time: 30 MIN