Description
Rich and creamy spaghetti baked to perfection with a golden topping, combining velvety cheese and a savory tomato-meat sauce for an elegant yet comforting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14–15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk or light cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko, lightly toasted (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up and browning for 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 6–8 minutes until thickened.
- In a bowl, soften the cream cheese and whisk in sour cream and milk until smooth.
- Combine drained spaghetti with the sauce in a mixing bowl. Fold in the cream mixture until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, top with cheeses, butter, and breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispier top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Use high-quality cheese for better melt and flavor. Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing for clean servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg