Description: This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole transforms ordinary spaghetti into an extraordinary comfort food experience. The creamy, tangy cream cheese layer, combined with a rich meat sauce and gooey mozzarella, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering a satisfying and unforgettable meal. Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- Salt for boiling water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. The cooking spray prevents the spaghetti from sticking to the dish, making it easier to serve and clean up later. A glass or ceramic baking dish works best for even heat distribution.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta and helps it cook properly. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm and slightly resistant to the bite. Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the casserole. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. The cream cheese needs to be fully softened to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture. Microwaving it in short bursts can help, but watch carefully to prevent melting. The minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor, while the Italian seasoning provides a classic blend of herbs. Mix all ingredients until well combined. This mixture will create a delicious, tangy layer in the casserole.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Ensure the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Removing the excess fat will prevent the casserole from becoming greasy. A leaner ground beef option, such as ground turkey or chicken, can be substituted for a healthier alternative.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish. This provides a solid base for the other layers.
Step 6: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Use a spatula or spoon to evenly distribute the cream cheese, ensuring every strand of spaghetti is coated. This layer adds a creamy, tangy element to the casserole.
Step 7: Pour half of the marinara or spaghetti sauce over the cream cheese layer. Use a jarred sauce for convenience, or create your own homemade sauce for a more personalized touch. Spread the sauce evenly, covering the cream cheese layer.
Step 8: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Mozzarella cheese provides a melty, gooey texture, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed for optimal coverage.
Step 9: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, sauce, and cheeses. This ensures that the casserole is fully layered and packed with flavor.
Step 10: Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The foil prevents the top from browning too quickly and helps the casserole cook evenly.
Step 11: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning. The casserole is ready when the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 12: Serve: Garnish the baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole with fresh parsley, if desired. The parsley adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 13: Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness! This casserole is best served immediately while it is hot and the cheese is melted.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The tangy cream cheese, rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella cheese create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. The Italian seasoning adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
- Creamy Texture: The softened cream cheese melts into the spaghetti, creating a creamy sauce that coats every strand. This is a welcome change from traditional spaghetti dishes that can sometimes be dry.
- Easy to Customize: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage. Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat sauce. Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is excellent for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, potluck, or party, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Simple to Make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Even beginner cooks can easily master this dish.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a cold evening or when you’re craving something comforting.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy touch to the meal.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad is a great addition.
- Dessert: Follow up with a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente. Overcooked spaghetti will become mushy in the casserole.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Drain Excess Fat: Drain the excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or cheddar.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef for a vegetarian version. Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving) Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion:
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy, cheesy, and flavorful profile makes it a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. The easy preparation and customizable ingredients make it a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a truly heavenly spaghetti casserole experience!
Questions and Answers:
- Question 1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Answer: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This allows the casserole to heat more evenly.
- Question 2: Can I freeze this casserole? Answer: Yes, you can freeze this casserole, although the texture of the cream cheese might change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then wrap it in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as directed, but you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Question 3: Can I use a different type of meat? Answer: Definitely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, Italian sausage (removed from its casing), or even crumbled tofu can be used in place of ground beef. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is cooked through. Vegetarian crumbles are also a great plant-based alternative.
- Question 4: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? Answer: If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend by combining equal parts of dried oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. A pinch of garlic powder can also be added for extra flavor.
- Question 5: Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Answer: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes can be added to the ground beef while it’s browning. You can also stir some cooked vegetables into the sauce before layering it in the casserole.
