Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole! This savory and creamy casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory ground beef, and tangy spaghetti sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish can be whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This casserole is great for making ahead of time and reheating for a quick and satisfying meal during the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Spaghetti: Provides the base for the casserole and adds a comforting texture.
- Lean ground beef: Adds protein and a rich flavor to the dish.
- Jar of spaghetti sauce: Brings a robust and tangy flavor to the casserole.
- Package of softened cream cheese: Creates a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Clove of garlic minced: Adds a subtle yet aromatic flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall taste with a blend of herbs and spices.
- A pinch of garlic salt: Adds a savory kick to the dish.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty and salty flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey and melty topping to the casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and garlic over medium heat until cooked through.
- Add the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the cream cheese mixture, and then the meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Add your favorite veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make sure to let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
- Cover the casserole with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade for a perfect dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe? Yes, feel free to swap out regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up until the baking step, cover with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Simply prepare, cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to give this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole a try! Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy twist on traditional spaghetti. With layers of spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and gooey cheeses, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
Seasonings and Cheeses:
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- A pinch of garlic salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Layer the casserole: In a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, cream cheese, and meat sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg