There’s nothing like a bubbling, cheesy baked casserole to bring everyone to the dinner table. This Spaghetti Casserole combines the rich flavor of beefy marinara sauce with the creamy goodness of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream—all layered between perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles and topped with a generous handful of cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead-friendly dinner that’s simple to prepare and even easier to love.
Whether you’re feeding a big family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers on comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s like a mash-up of spaghetti and lasagna, but with half the effort.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Casserole
- ✅ Easy to make – minimal prep, simple layering
- 🧀 Ultra-creamy – thanks to the cream cheese + cottage cheese blend
- 🍝 Hearty and filling – packed with protein and carbs
- 🧊 Freezer-friendly – make it ahead and bake when ready
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-approved – even picky eaters love it!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday staples, making it a go-to when you need something satisfying and budget-friendly.
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef – You can also use Italian sausage or a mix for deeper flavor.
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz) – Choose your favorite brand or homemade.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – This gives the casserole its creamy texture.
- ¼ cup sour cream – Adds tang and richness.
- 1 cup cottage cheese – Adds a slight curd texture and extra creaminess.
- ½ cup butter (1 stick) – Used to coat the pasta and prevent dryness.
- 1 package spaghetti (16 oz) – Cooked al dente.
- Grated cheddar cheese, for topping – Use as much as you like! Around 2 cups is ideal.
🥄 Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to personalize the recipe with some of the following:
- 1 onion, finely chopped and sautéed with the beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for deeper flavor
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (for texture and sweetness)
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for a little heat
- Parmesan cheese added to the topping mix
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥘 Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Salt it generously, then cook the spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well.
Once drained, toss the hot spaghetti with ½ cup of butter, cut into pieces, until melted and evenly coated. This keeps the noodles from sticking and adds flavor.
💡 Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
🍖 Step 2: Prepare the Beef Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Add your spaghetti sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to deepen the flavor.
If you’re using onions or garlic, sauté them with the beef before adding the sauce.
🧀 Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Mix until smooth and well combined. If your cream cheese is too firm, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to soften.
💡 Note: Don’t skip the cottage cheese—it adds moisture and richness!
🧱 Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or butter. Now layer as follows:
- Bottom layer – Half of the buttered spaghetti
- Middle layer – All of the cream cheese mixture
- Next layer – The remaining spaghetti
- Top layer – The beef and sauce mixture
- Final layer – Sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese (about 2 cups or more)
💡 Variation: Add a bit of mozzarella or Parmesan for a stretchier, more melty top.
🔥 Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the casserole is heated through.
🔁 Make-Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 2 days. Or freeze it for up to 3 months. Add an extra 10–15 minutes baking time if cooking from chilled.
🧂 Seasoning Tips & Customizations
- Add chili flakes if you want a bit of a kick.
- Mix diced vegetables into the sauce for extra nutrients (zucchini, mushrooms, spinach).
- Use gluten-free pasta and check the sauce labels for a GF-friendly version.
🥗 What to Serve With Spaghetti Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Caesar salad or tossed green salad
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
❄️ Storage & Freezing Instructions
To Store:
- Let the casserole cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To Freeze:
- Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
- Label and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until hot.
🧊 You can also reheat single portions in the microwave.
📝 Printable Recipe Card
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 oz)
– 8 oz cream cheese
– ¼ cup sour cream
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– ½ cup butter
– 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti, drain, and toss with butter.
2. Brown ground beef; add sauce and simmer.
3. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
4. Layer spaghetti, creamy mix, spaghetti again, meat sauce, and cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 mins. Serve hot!
🧁 Final Thoughts
This Spaghetti Casserole is the kind of recipe that brings warmth to the table and smiles to faces. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or to freeze for later, it always delivers.
It’s comforting, adaptable, and incredibly easy to make. The blend of creamy cheeses, hearty meat sauce, and tender pasta makes this dish an instant classic that you’ll want to add to your rotation.