Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender spaghetti mixed with creamy softened cream cheese, savory ground beef, and a rich spaghetti sauce. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 28 oz jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Creamy Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Garlic salt (to taste)
Toppings
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti for approximately 12 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and minced garlic, then add the Italian seasoning, combining everything evenly.
- Mix Creamy Spaghetti: In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, garlic salt to taste, and mix well until the spaghetti is evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Add the creamy spaghetti layer on top, then cover with the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese beforehand (e.g., microwaving for 20 seconds) makes it easier to mix.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Feel free to substitute spaghetti with another pasta shape like penne or rotini.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
