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creamy baked spaghetti casserole - featured image

Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe with Meat Sauce Easy and Perfect

  • Author: Lena
  • Total Time: 45-55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, rich baked spaghetti casserole with meat sauce that combines a luscious cheese sauce with hearty ground beef and tomato sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break apart and cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  8. Add cooked spaghetti to the creamy cheese sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
  9. Spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
  10. Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer.
  11. Repeat with remaining spaghetti mixture and meat sauce.
  12. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  13. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown with bubbling sauce around edges.
  14. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If cream cheese is not soft, microwave for 15-20 seconds before mixing. Tent casserole with foil if top browns too quickly. Use al dente pasta to avoid mushy texture after baking. Taste and adjust seasoning before baking. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or water to prevent drying.

  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 600
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, creamy pasta bake, meat sauce casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

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Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/creamy-baked-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-with-meat-sauce-easy-and-perfect/