Description
The Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake offers a delicious twist on the traditional spaghetti dinner. Perfect for a family meal, this casserole blends the savory taste of ground beef, the smooth texture of cream cheese, and the rich flavor of spaghetti sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty dish designed to satiate and comfort, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 26 oz jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s completely browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and mix in the spaghetti sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the water and transfer the spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: Add the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the cooked spaghetti. Stir thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and the cream cheese has melted completely.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over this, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes