Creamy Cheesy Spaghetti Bake

Creamy Cheesy Spaghetti Bake brings together all the beloved elements of a traditional spaghetti dinner—with the indulgent addition of rich cheeses and a creamy sauce layered into a bubbly, golden casserole. It’s the perfect weeknight meal to satisfy the whole family.

Love Italian-inspired comfort food like Spaghetti Carbonara or Lasagna Roll-Ups? Then this cheesy baked version of spaghetti is a must-add to your recipe rotation. For an extra creamy twist, pair it with this easy homemade Ricotta.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love It

Hearty, family-friendly, and packed with Italian flavor—this dish takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into a creamy, comforting spaghetti casserole the whole table will rave about. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead.

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🧂 Ingredients

Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti, broken in half before boiling

Sauce:

• 2 jars (24 oz each) of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce (or homemade if preferred)

Meat Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Cook Pasta:
   Boil spaghetti as directed, then drain and return to the pot. Mix in one jar of pasta sauce and set aside.
2. Make Meat Sauce:
   In a large skillet, brown ground meat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the second jar of pasta sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, egg, and Italian seasoning using a hand mixer or spoon until smooth and creamy.
4. Layer the Casserole:
   • Spread half of the spaghetti and sauce mixture in a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
   • Top with half the meat sauce.
   • Dollop half the cheese mixture and smooth it out.
   • Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
   • Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
5. Bake:
   Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
6. Serve:
   Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

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💡 Recipe Tips

• Want extra saucy pasta? Keep a third jar of sauce on hand—spaghetti absorbs more than you think!
• Boost flavor with fresh herbs like basil or oregano if your sauce needs a lift.
• For extra richness, stir in a bit of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.