Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this indulgent Baked Spaghetti Casserole—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that layers al dente spaghetti, creamy cheese, and savory, marinara-infused ground beef. Perfectly golden and bubbling from the oven, this casserole combines the rich flavors of Italian comfort food with the ease of a one-dish meal. Cream cheese and sour cream create a luscious, velvety middle layer, while a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan delivers an irresistible cheesy crust. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and an easy bake, it’s perfect for busy families or casual gatherings. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and pair it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 450 grams spaghetti
• 500 grams ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 700 milliliters marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 115 grams cream cheese, softened
• 120 grams sour cream
• 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just shy of al dente according to package instructions (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the cooked beef. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 6

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 7

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti as evenly as possible, then layer with half of the meat sauce. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.

Step 8

Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, spreading them evenly over the surface.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2293.7 grams (2293.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3845

Total Fat 254.20g	326%
Saturated Fat 117.30g	587%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 733mg	244%
Sodium 6233mg	271%
Total Carbohydrate 197.90g	72%
Dietary Fiber 16.50g	59%
Total Sugars 35.10g
Protein 199.20g	398%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2464mg	190%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 1766mg	38%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.0%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 20.4%