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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

4.7 from 14 reviews

A comforting and delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole featuring tender spaghetti coated in a creamy cream cheese mixture, layered with savory ground beef and rich spaghetti sauce, and topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for family dinners with its cheesy, hearty flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

  • 12 ounces spaghetti

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch garlic salt

Cheese Topping

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the casserole from sticking.
  2. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce. Keep warm.
  4. Mix Cream Cheese and Spaghetti: Place the drained spaghetti into a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  5. Layer Ingredients: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan to prevent sticking. Spread the cream cheese-coated spaghetti evenly over the meat sauce, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a rich, cheesy finish.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden, approximately 30 minutes.
  8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier slicing.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for best melting and flavor.
  • The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti casserole, cream cheese spaghetti, ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta bake, Italian pasta casserole