Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy twist on classic spaghetti. Ground beef simmered in spaghetti sauce is combined with rich cream cheese and Italian seasoning, then layered with al dente spaghetti and topped with Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this easy casserole makes a satisfying family meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce and Meat
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cream Cheese Mixture and Topping
- 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 sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the prepared spaghetti sauce. Set this meat sauce aside.
- Prepare Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and transfer the spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: To the bowl with the hot spaghetti, add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well until the cream cheese melts completely and evenly coats the spaghetti strands, creating a creamy mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, layer the creamy spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the Parmesan cheese on top is lightly golden and melted.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and cheesy flavors of this hearty baked spaghetti casserole.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened before mixing to help it blend smoothly with the pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
