Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 6 Calories per Serving: 600 kcal
Ingredients 8 oz spaghetti 2 tbsp olive oil 1 lb ground beef or turkey 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and pepper, to taste 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish) Directions 1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2️⃣ Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, then drain excess fat. Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes. 3️⃣ Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth. 4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer: Half of the cooked spaghetti Half of the meat sauce Half of the cream cheese mixture Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. 5️⃣ Add the Toppings & Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. 6️⃣ Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving. Pro Tips: Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving. Veggie Option: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor. Spice it Up: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for added heat and flavor. This cheesy, creamy casserole is guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
