Creamy Spaghetti Casserole

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This creamy spaghetti casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that comes together with simple pantry ingredients. The cream cheese melts into the marinara and beef mixture, making the sauce rich and silky, and the baked cheese on top gives it that irresistible casserole finish.

It’s an easy dinner to make for family or friends, and it reheats well for leftovers. If you need something hearty that doesn’t take much effort, this is a great go-to recipe.

Ingredient Notes

• Spaghetti: Cook just to al dente so it holds up during baking.
• Ground beef: Adds heartiness and flavor; brown well for best results.
• Onion and garlic: Simple aromatics that build flavor.
• Cream cheese: The key to the creamy texture.
• Marinara sauce: Use a jar you enjoy—flavor varies by brand.
• Oregano: Adds a classic Italian note.
• Mozzarella: Half melts into the casserole; half becomes the golden top layer.
• Parmesan: Adds salty, cheesy depth.

Steps to Make Creamy Spaghetti Casserole

1. Cook the spaghetti until al dente and drain.
2. Brown the beef in a deep skillet or Dutch oven.
3. Add onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in garlic briefly.
5. Add the cream cheese and mix until melted and combined.
6. Add marinara and oregano and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in half the mozzarella and the cooked spaghetti.
8. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
9. Top with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella.
10. Bake until bubbly and lightly browned.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy version. Add crushed red pepper or use hot Italian sausage.
• Veggie boost. Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers.
• Cheesy blend. Try adding provolone or fontina with the mozzarella.
• Meat swap. Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.
• Baked spaghetti pie. Mix in two beaten eggs for a firmer sliceable casserole.

Sides To Serve With a Spaghetti Casserole

• Tossed salad with Italian salad dressing.
• Coleslaw.
• Garlic bread.
• Broccoli salad.

Creamy Spaghetti Casserole

Diana Rattray

Cream cheese makes this spaghetti casserole creamy and flavorful. It’s a great casserole to make for a crowd!

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Servings 4 to 6 servings

Calories 799

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

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• Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
• 1 tbsp kosher salt for the cooking water
• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Recommended Equipment

• Large pasta pot
• 2 1/2-quart baking dish

Instructions

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• Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2 1/2 to 3-quart baking dish.
  Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
• Put 3 quarts of water in a large saucepan with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Place the saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and boil following the package directions for al dente pasta. Drain the spaghetti.
  1 tbsp kosher salt for the cooking water | 8 ounces spaghetti
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and let it cook, undisturbed, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until a brown crust is formed.
  1 tbsp olive oil | 1 pound ground beef
• Break the beef up, add the onions, and cook, stirring, for about 4 minutes longer. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  1/2 cup chopped onion | 2 cloves garlic
• Add the cream cheese to the beef mixture and cook until well combined. Add the marinara sauce, oregano, and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to a simmer and continue cooking for 2 minutes.
  4 ounces cream cheese | 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce | 1/2 tsp dried oregano | 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  
• Add half of the mozzarella cheese and the drained pasta to the sauce mixture.
  ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• Turn the mixture into the baking dish and top with the Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese.
  1/4 cup Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• Bake for 30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the topping is browned.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 799kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 43gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 1339mgPotassium: 1050mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1451IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 378mgIron: 5mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword cream cheese, ground beef, mozzarella cheese, one pot meals, pasta, spaghetti casserole, tomato sauce

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