Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole combines al dente spaghetti, rich ground beef with tangy spaghetti sauce, and a creamy blend of cream cheese and Parmesan. Topped with mozzarella and baked to golden perfection, this hearty casserole serves as a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 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 prevent sticking and help evenly bake the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 12 minutes. Drain completely and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat to reduce grease, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and heat through.
- Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Mix until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated and the spaghetti is well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce at the bottom of the greased baking pan. Layer the spaghetti and cream cheese mixture evenly over the sauce, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle the Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful presentation.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content in the casserole.
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to easily blend with the spaghetti.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
