This rich, cheesy, and comforting baked spaghetti casserole tastes like a million bucks—but is super easy to make! Layers of pasta, creamy cheese, and hearty meat sauce come together for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook spaghetti:
Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare meat sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. - Make the creamy cheese layer:
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well combined. - Layer the casserole:
- Place half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Dot with butter pieces.
- Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. - Serve:
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Calories: ~480 per serving
Comfort food at its finest—this casserole is rich, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor! You’ll want seconds (and thirds).