Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Last month, I spotted a video for Baked Spaghetti Casserole on Facebook.

Dude was looking over my shoulder and decided that he definitely wanted to try that recipe (Dude LOVES spaghetti and meat sauce you can see his recipes here, here, and here).

We originally planned to adapt the recipe a bit more (we were going to add some fresh herbs to the spaghetti mixture and on top), but just as we were cooking, the storm sirens started blaring because of a tornado warning (thankfully there were only funnel clouds and no actual tornadoes).

So I was upstairs hastily finishing our casserole and tossing it in the oven, while my two worried little boys huddled downstairs begging me to hurry up (Hubs was out of town – seriously – every time he goes out of town in the summer we have severe weather!)

Thankfully, by the time the casserole finished baking, the tornado threat had passed (but it was still raining too heavily to grab my herbs), and we were able to enjoy this delicious casserole!

Here’s Dude:

It was fantastic, especially on a stormy day!

Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Adapted from Jumble Joy

13 oz whole wheat spaghetti

8 oz neufchatel cream cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp basil

¼ tsp oregano

¼ tsp parsley

¼ tsp marjoram

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 (28 oz) jar 3 cheese pasta sauce

2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Cook the spaghetti to al dente. Drain. Stir in the cream cheese, garlic powder, and dried herbs (add some fresh herbs if you have them.)

Meanwhile, place the beef, onions, and garlic into a skillet and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain off any grease. Stir in the sauce.

Pour half the sauce mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce and spread evenly. Top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the cheeses over the casserole.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown. Add additional fresh herbs to top, if desired.

Cut into squares and serve.

Serves 4-6

Want more? Try Dudes other delicious pasta recipes! And don't forget the garlic bread!