Swoon-Worthy Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake Recipe for Pasta Lovers

When hunger strikes, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty creamy beefy spaghetti bake that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

This classic comfort dish combines rich, tender beef with velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.

Each forkful promises layers of robust flavor and comforting warmth that dance across your palate.

The recipe blends simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Cheese melts luxuriously over seasoned ground beef, creating a golden, bubbling masterpiece straight from the oven.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you serve this irresistible spaghetti bake.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this dish has become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything That Goes Into Beefy Spaghetti Bake

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty protein with a deep, savory flavor that anchors the entire dish.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Delivers robust tomato complexity and brings moisture to bind the casserole ingredients.

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta that provides a perfect textural base and absorbs surrounding flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, silky coating with tangy undertones that elevates the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses traditional Mediterranean herbs for an aromatic and zesty profile.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces sharp, pungent depth that complements the creamy and meaty elements.

• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, salty crystalline notes that add a golden crispy topping.

Equipment for Beefy Spaghetti Prep

• Skillet: Large pan for browning ground beef and mixing sauce.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining spaghetti and cream cheese.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Perfect size for layering and baking the casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain spaghetti after cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Used for grating fresh parmesan cheese.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Bake a Perfect Beefy Spaghetti

• Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a cozy 350°F, getting ready for our delicious pasta adventure.

• Beef Transformation

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into tiny pieces. Drain away the extra grease and splash in some spaghetti sauce for rich flavor.

• Pasta Magic

Cook spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and toss into a big mixing bowl, preparing for its creamy makeover.

• Cheesy Coating

Blend room temperature cream cheese, a sprinkle of Italian herbs, and fresh garlic into the pasta. Stir until every strand gets a luxurious creamy embrace.

• Layered Harmony

Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Nestle the creamy pasta on top, then cover with remaining meat sauce. Shower generously with parmesan cheese for a golden finish.

• Bake and Shine

Slide the dish into the warm oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Tips for Flavor and Cheese in Every Bite

• Meat Magic: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even plant-based crumbles for a different protein twist that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Cheese Love: Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone to create a unique flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the cream cheese layer for added color and health benefits.
• Spice Adventure: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole a spicy punch that will wake up your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and enjoy a stress-free meal.

Serving Beefy Spaghetti Hot and Ready

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty spaghetti bake with a crisp green salad topped with Italian vinaigrette for a balanced, refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Weekend Family Feast: Serve alongside garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious meat sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that brings everyone together at the table.
• Italian Restaurant Feel: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving to add a pop of color and bright, herbal flavor that elevates the entire casserole's presentation and taste profile.
• Quick Leftover Magic: Store any remaining portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating in the microwave or oven, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or quick lunch options.

How to Save Spaghetti Bake Without Drying

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Frozen meals remain delectable for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future dinners.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated meals in the fridge overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For microwave heating, use medium power and stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare casserole components separately and assemble just before baking. Cooked pasta and seasoned beef can be stored separately in the refrigerator for easier weekly meal planning and faster dinner preparation.

Hearty Beefy Spaghetti Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Beef Spaghetti Bake melds Italian comfort with rich, cheesy goodness. Layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal bringing families together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 8-ounce (226 grams) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 26-ounce (737 grams) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the casserole.
2. Meat Preparation: Sauté ground beef in a skillet until thoroughly browned, draining excess fat and blending with spaghetti sauce to craft a robust meat foundation.
3. Pasta Integration: Boil spaghetti until al dente, then combine with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic, stirring until the pasta becomes uniformly creamy and glistening.
4. Dish Assembly: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading a thin meat sauce base to prevent sticking. Layer the cream-coated spaghetti evenly, then cascade the remaining meat sauce across the surface.
5. Cheese Topping: Lavishly dust the casserole with grated parmesan, creating a delicate, golden-brown crust that promises a crisp, flavorful finish.
6. Baking Finale: Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the surface bubbles and transforms into a golden, appetizing masterpiece.

Notes

• Cheese Tip: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, faster melting and easier mixing with hot spaghetti.
• Fat Management: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a lighter, less oily casserole.
• Seasoning Secret: Adjust Italian seasoning and garlic to personal taste, allowing flexibility in flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg