Monterey Spaghetti Bake (Creamy, Cheesy Family Favorite)

When it comes to family dinners that never fail, baked pasta always earns a place at the table. Monterey Spaghetti Bake is one of those comforting casseroles that feels nostalgic, filling, and endlessly satisfying. Creamy layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted Monterey Jack cheese come together in a baked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

Unlike traditional baked spaghetti, this version leans into richness and creaminess. The addition of cream cheese and sour cream transforms the sauce into something velvety and indulgent, while Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, creating a soft, gooey top layer that seals in flavor.

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Why Monterey Spaghetti Bake Is a Family Favorite

This recipe checks every box for a reliable dinner:

• Familiar spaghetti flavor
• Creamy, cheesy texture
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Feeds a crowd easily

It’s the kind of meal that pleases picky eaters while still satisfying adults looking for comfort food done right.

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Ingredients

Monterey Spaghetti Bake

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups tomato sauce or marinara
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
4. Add onion and cook until softened.
5. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
6. Add tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5 minutes.
7. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until melted.
8. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
9. Combine cooked spaghetti with sauce until evenly coated.
10. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
11. Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly over top.
12. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
13. Rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

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Tips for the Best Spaghetti Bake

• Cook pasta just to al dente
• Soften cream cheese before mixing
• Let casserole rest for clean slices
• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt

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Variations and Add-Ins

• Swap ground beef for Italian sausage
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers
• Use mozzarella + Monterey Jack blend
• Add red pepper flakes for heat

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Serving Suggestions

• With garlic bread or breadsticks
• Paired with a green salad
• Served buffet-style for gatherings
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

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Why Creamy Pasta Bakes Are So Popular

Creamy baked pasta dishes bring together:

• Familiar flavors
• Rich textures
• Oven-baked comfort
• Crowd-friendly portions

Monterey Spaghetti Bake stands out for its balance of tangy tomato flavor and rich cheese without feeling overly heavy.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Freeze tightly wrapped up to 2 months
• Reheat covered to prevent drying