Craving some comfort food? This Spaghetti Casserole is bursting with pasta, melted cheese, tangy sour cream, and ground beef goodness—perfect for those cozy family dinners that hit the spot.
We love spaghetti in our family, which is why we have several versions, including Instant Pot Spaghetti, Baked Spaghetti and Meatballs, and more! Today’s casserole version is another one to add to the meal rotation because it’s delicious!
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A Classic in Casserole Form
Who doesn’t love spaghetti? We may be mildly obsessed because noodles, cheese, and spaghetti sauce are the perfect combo in our books.
We have shared different versions in the past and thought it was about time to share this million dollar spaghetti casserole recipe (think of it as a hybrid between lasagna and spaghetti). The result was amazing, and the whole family devoured it. This is definitely a keeper recipe, and we can’t wait to include this baked spaghetti recipe in our family’s favorite meal rotations.
Reasons to Love This Pasta
- This Spaghetti casserole with cream cheese wraps you in warmth, delivering a familiar, comforting flavor that makes it perfect for cozy nights.
- This dish is ideal for meal prep and can be prepped ahead, frozen, and baked later for no-hassle dinners.
- It’s even better the next day, providing delicious leftovers for lunch or another dinner.
Recipe Ingredients
- Spaghetti Sauce: The sauce brings a rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
- Cheeses (Monterey Jack and Mozzarella): These cheeses offer a gooey, creamy texture and a mild yet tangy flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a mild tanginess and smooth, velvety texture.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Meat Choice: While ground beef is classic, try swapping it for ground chicken, ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a beef-sausage combo. Even a meatless version works well! Season with garlic during cooking and omit onions for picky eaters.
- Sauce Options: Choose your favorite store-bought spaghetti sauce or whip up a homemade version for a personal touch. Marinara sauce, meat sauce, or arrabbiata can all enhance the dish’s flavor. For those who prefer a saucier casserole, consider adding more than the standard amount or mixing in tomato paste for extra depth.
- Herbs and Spice Variations: Don’t hesitate to season to taste with herbs like fresh basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a unique twist. Italian seasoning can also enhance the overall flavor, providing a well-rounded mix of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
How to Make Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Butter or spray a 9×13″ baking dish, add cooked noodles, and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream cheese, green onions, and egg; set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as you go. Drain the grease from the cooked ground beef. Add the onion and garlic, cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Spread the sour cream mixture over the cooled noodles. Spread beef in an even layer over the top, then sauce, then cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty and golden brown in spots.
Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Grate/Shred your own Cheese: Pre-bagged cheese doesn’t melt as easily, so we recommend buying a block and grating or shredding it. Though it takes a bit more time, it’s well worth it!
- Tent Foil: If your baking dish is full, tent the foil so it doesn’t touch the food. This ensures the cheese isn’t pulled off when you remove the foil to continue baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
This dish pairs wonderfully with many recipes, but we especially love serving it with garlic bread and our grilled panzanella salad. For more ideas, check out our collection of salad recipes to complement your meal.
For different flavors, you can swap or combine cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan. You can try ricotta cheese or cottage cheese for a creamier layer, similar to lasagna.
Breaking the spaghetti noodles before cooking is optional. If you prefer shorter strands that are easier to layer, break them in half. For best results, always follow the package directions for cooking times to ensure the noodles reach the right texture.
Storage Info
STORE leftover baked spaghetti casserole in an airtight container or disposable foil pans in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also FREEZE it for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight. To REHEAT, bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, covering them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
More Spaghetti Recipes to Check Out
Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces thin spaghetti - cooked al dente, drained, and transferred to the baking dish immediately
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 green onions - thinly sliced and chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion - diced
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 (14 oz) jar spaghetti sauce*
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese - grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese - grated
For Optional Garnish
- freshly chopped parsley
- parmesan cheese - grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Butter or spray a 9×13" baking dish, add cooked noodles, and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream cheese, green onions, and egg; set aside.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as you go. Drain the grease from the cooked ground beef. Add the onion and garlic, cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat.
- Spread the sour cream mixture over the cooled noodles. Spread beef in an even layer over the top, then sauce, then cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melty and golden brown in spots.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.
This was great! I made it ahead of time and then popped it in the oven to finish! Cheesy and scrumptious!
I love how cheesy this is!! It’s nice to have a change from regular spaghetti. Casseroles are the best!
Yum! I loved how easy this was, and my family devoured it!
I love this casserole because I can make a few ahead of time and freeze for later! Thank you for the recipe!
This cheesy delight is such a great hearty meal that my family really loves.