Baked Spaghetti Creamy Cheesy Beef

Baked Spaghetti is the answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas in my kitchen Thick creamy noodles nestle into a cheesy top layer with a robust beef and tomato sauce underneath Every bite is comforting and it is always a family favorite with plenty of leftovers to love the next day

I started making this on packed school nights when my kids needed something warm and filling Now they cheer when they see it coming out of the oven

Ingredients

• Spaghetti noodles: These form the base so look for pasta with a firm bite and a rough texture to hold the sauce
• Lean ground beef: Brings protein and savoriness Choose bright red beef with minimal fat for best results
• Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade for extra freshness Check for a rich tomato flavor and balanced seasoning
• Cream cheese: The secret to creamy noodles Opt for full fat and let it soften at room temperature for smooth mixing
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives a real Italian taste Use one with oregano rosemary and thyme for depth
• Dried basil: Adds aromatic sweetness Rub the basil in your hands before adding to release its oils
• Parmesan cheese: Creates a salty rich topping Always buy it freshly shredded for maximum flavor
• Mozzarella cheese: Bakes into a gooey top layer Shred from a block for best melt and stretch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Coat a nine by thirteen inch casserole with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside

Brown the Beef:

In a large skillet over medium high heat crumble and cook the ground beef with minced garlic until the beef loses its pink color Stir often and drain off any grease Next stir in your spaghetti sauce and remove the pan from heat

Boil the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the spaghetti noodles Cook according to package directions usually about ten minutes until just tender Drain thoroughly and return the noodles to the warm empty pot

Cream the Noodles:

Add the softened cream cheese Italian seasoning and dried basil directly onto the hot noodles Stir steadily while the heat melts the cream cheese Coating every strand ensures no noodles stick together and builds a flavorful base

Layer and Assemble:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of your baking dish Arrange the creamy noodles evenly on top Spoon the remaining beef sauce over the noodles making sure all areas are sauced Sprinkle with an even coating of Parmesan followed by mozzarella

Bake and Rest:

Slide the casserole uncovered into a three hundred fifty degree oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the top is bubbling and golden Let the dish stand ten minutes before cutting so the layers set

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I always look forward to the first cheesy corner piece The mozzarella gives that perfect gooey stretch and my kids still fight over who gets the crispiest top bite It is become a birthday dinner request more than once

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers sealed in an airtight container and refrigerate for three to four days You can also cover the unbaked casserole and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight and bake as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey chicken or plant based crumbles Use cottage cheese in place of cream cheese for a lighter result Try different jarred tomato sauces like roasted garlic or spicy arrabbiata to switch things up

Serving Suggestions

Serve baked spaghetti cut into hearty squares alongside a crisp green salad Garlic bread is always a hit on the side For extra veggies stir in steamed spinach or diced bell peppers before baking

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Traditional spaghetti noodles are ideal, as they hold up well when baked and absorb the creamy sauce and seasonings.

→ Can mozzarella be substituted with another cheese?

Yes, provolone or Monterey Jack work well, though mozzarella adds a classic stretch and mild flavor.

→ Is it necessary to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds creaminess and helps bind the noodles, but ricotta or cottage cheese can be used as alternatives.

→ How do you prevent the dish from becoming too dry?

Make sure to use enough sauce and avoid overbaking. Covering loosely with foil can also help retain moisture.

→ Can the dish be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Allow a few extra minutes in the oven if chilled.