Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish combining al dente spaghetti with savory ground beef, tangy spaghetti sauce, and rich cream cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden Parmesan cheese topping, this casserole is a deliciously hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish leaner. Stir in the jar of prepared spaghetti sauce and set the meat sauce aside.
- Prepare Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: To the bowl with the cooked spaghetti, add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese is melted and evenly coats the spaghetti strands, creating a luscious, creamy mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, add the spaghetti and cream cheese mixture as the second layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the casserole.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the Parmesan topping is lightly golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors with the savory meat sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
