Best Spaghetti Casserole

Best Spaghetti Casserole

🍝 Creamy Baked Spaghetti — The Cozy Casserole That Brings Everyone to the Table

If comfort food had a VIP list, this dish would be at the top — creamy, cheesy, saucy, and just the right amount of indulgent.

💛 Some dinners just know how to make people happy. This Creamy Baked Spaghetti is one of those recipes that’s equal parts weeknight‑friendly and special‑occasion‑worthy. It’s got all the best parts of spaghetti night — tender noodles, savory meat sauce, melty cheese — but with a creamy twist that takes it to the next level.

It’s the kind of meal that makes the house smell amazing, gets everyone asking “When’s dinner?” and has zero leftovers if you’re feeding a crowd. And honestly? It’s just as good the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have any left).

💬 Reader prompt: Are you team “bubbly cheese on top” or team “extra sauce on the side”?

Every time Costco has spaghetti on sale Matthew buys a pack. Every single time. Which is great, except now we have a lot of it. A lot. I’ve been trying to come up with spaghetti recipes, so instead of making lasagna and buying noodles for that we thought we’d do a twist on it. You will absolutely love this recipe.

 

Ingredients 

• 8 oz. of spaghetti
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small onion chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 20 oz. marinara – we use Rao’s
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 oz. cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, (I used sliced mozzarella which was awesome)

 

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
2. In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, 6–8 minutes, breaking beef into crumbles; drain excess fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
5. In a greased 11×7‑inch baking dish, layer spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
6. Top with mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot.

🔢 Calorie Count (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: ~480
• Total Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Total Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 27g

💡 Note: These are estimates — actual numbers will vary depending on your sauce, cheese, and portion size.

🥕 Nutritional Facts & Fun

• Protein Power: Ground beef + cheese = a satisfying, filling dinner.
• Calcium Boost: Mozzarella and cream cheese bring bone‑friendly calcium.
• Lycopene Love: Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.
• Mood Food: Creamy, cheesy pasta is basically edible happiness.

💬 Reader prompt: Do you count cheese as a food group in your house? (We do.)

 

👩‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Spaghetti Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook before baking so it stays firm.
• Room Temp Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends smoother with sour cream.
• Cheese Choice: Shred your own mozzarella for the best melt — pre‑shredded can be drier.
• Make Ahead: Assemble in the morning, refrigerate, and bake at dinner time.

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Italian Sausage Swap: Use half beef, half mild Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
• Four‑Cheese Dream: Mix mozzarella with provolone, parmesan, and fontina.

💬 Reader prompt: What’s your favorite “secret ingredient” to sneak into pasta dishes?

🧒 Kid Tips

• Let kids sprinkle the cheese on top — it’s the most fun job.
• Serve with garlic bread “dippers” for extra excitement.
• Cut into squares for easy serving to little hands.

🛒 Grocery Hacks

• Pasta Sales: Stock up when spaghetti is on sale — it lasts forever in the pantry.
• Sauce Shortcut: Rao’s is amazing, but store brands can be jazzed up with fresh herbs.
• Cheese Saver: Buy mozzarella in blocks — it’s cheaper and melts better.
• Ground Beef Tip: Buy in bulk, portion, and freeze for quick dinners.

🎯 Reader Challenge

Make this baked spaghetti your own this week — maybe a veggie‑packed version, a spicy twist, or a “cheese lover’s” edition. Post a pic and tag it with #LouLouGirlsBakedSpaghetti so we can all get inspired (and hungry).

🥪 Leftover Remix

• Spaghetti Pie: Press leftovers into a pie dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until crispy.
• Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake.
• Lunchbox Win: Pack in a thermos for a warm, cheesy lunch.

 

 

💭 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Baked Spaghetti is the definition of comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to make people happy. It’s a little bit lasagna, a little bit classic spaghetti, and a whole lot of delicious.

It’s also a lifesaver for busy nights, potlucks, or when you just want something that feels like a hug in casserole form. And the best part? It’s flexible. You can swap proteins, add veggies, or play with the cheese blend to suit your crew.

Here’s the thing about baked spaghetti — it’s not just dinner, it’s a moment. It’s the smell that fills the kitchen, the sound of bubbling cheese, the way everyone gathers around the table a little faster when they know what’s coming.

It’s also a recipe that invites creativity. You can make it exactly as written, or you can make it your own. You can serve it with a big green salad and garlic bread, or just hand everyone a fork and let them dive in. And no matter how you serve it, it’s going to be a hit.

So here’s my challenge to you: make it this week, share it with your people, and tell me your twist. Did you go extra cheesy? Did you sneak in veggies? Did you double the recipe so you could freeze one for later? I want to hear it all.

💬 Reader prompt: Should we do a “Comfort Food Classics” series next? I’m thinking baked ziti, chicken pot pie, and cheesy enchiladas…

Until then, may your pasta always be saucy, your cheese always be melty, and your dinner table always be full.

Did you try our Best Spaghetti Casserole recipe? What did you think? Did you love it? We would love to hear from you! Please leave us a comment below or tag us on Instagram!