Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Introduction
Who doesn’t love a creamy, flavorful dish that brings the whole family together? Allow us to introduce you to the delightful Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole! This mouthwatering gem combines rich cream cheese with tender spaghetti and savory ground beef, topped off with a generous layer of spaghetti sauce and parmesan cheese. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate!
Fun fact: casseroles have been a staple in family kitchens for generations, making dinner time a special gathering moment. The simplicity and quick preparation of this dish make it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. If you’ve enjoyed our Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll undoubtedly fall head-over-heels for this creamy masterpiece. So, gather your loved ones, and let’s dig into this delicious recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
What is Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?
Ah, the name Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole might sound a bit extravagant, but don’t let that fool you! It’s as delightful as it sounds. Imagine layering delectable spaghetti with smooth cream cheese and scrumptious ground beef that just makes your taste buds sing! But why the long name, you ask? Well, in a world of simple names, sometimes you need to let your food speak for itself. It’s like that friend who walks into the room and immediately steals the spotlight: “Here I am, and I’m delicious!” After all, as they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish might just win over hearts at your table. Ready to give it a shot? Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons!
- Creamy Delight: The standout feature of this dish is the luscious cream cheese that envelops the spaghetti, giving it a rich, velvety texture you can’t resist. It’s comfort food at its finest!
- Cost-Effective Meal: Making this casserole at home means you get to enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank. With affordable ingredients like spaghetti, ground beef, and cream cheese, it’s easy on the wallet!
- Versatile Toppings: Whether you’re a fan of classic spaghetti sauce, prefer something spicy, or want to throw in extra veggies, the toppings and additional ingredients are totally up to you! Think of it as your canvas; get creative!
If you love this casserole, you might also enjoy our Creamy Mushroom Pasta recipe, perfect for those cozy nights!
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Quick Overview
The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole lies in its simplicity. Here’s a sneak peek: you’ll be cooking spaghetti, sautéing ground beef, and combining it all to create an effortless meal that takes just about 45 minutes from prep to plate—perfect for those busy evenings when you still want a hearty dish!
Key Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
To whip up this mouthwatering casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty for your casserole.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked through. Make sure to drain the fat. Add in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for just a minute until fragrant.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the spaghetti sauce into the beef mixture and set it aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cream Cheese: While the spaghetti is still warm, mix in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and the pasta is nicely coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer the spaghetti mixture on top, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown.
What to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole With
This casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with a fresh side salad drizzled with vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread for that extra touch of comfort. Pair it with a nice glass of red wine or a sparkling drink for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. You could also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost!
- Timing Adjustments: If you want to save time, cook your spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the fridge, allowing you to assemble the casserole even faster.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your casserole while baking to ensure it doesn’t dry out. If it looks ready but you want a bit more browning, switch on the broiler for the last couple of minutes—but stay close!
Storing and Reheating Tips
After enjoying your delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you may have some leftovers. Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Cool the casserole completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, an airtight container or freezer-safe bag can keep it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and heat it for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for individual servings if you’re in a hurry.
With its creamy, savory goodness, the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 26 oz jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and toasty for your casserole.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked through. Make sure to drain the fat. Add in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for just a minute until fragrant.
- Combine with Sauce: Pour the spaghetti sauce into the beef mixture and set it aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil your spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cream Cheese: While the spaghetti is still warm, mix in the cream cheese until it's fully melted and the pasta is nicely coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer the spaghetti mixture on top, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown.
- What to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole With
- This casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but you can take it up a notch by serving it with a fresh side salad drizzled with vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread for that extra touch of comfort. Pair it with a nice glass of red wine or a sparkling drink for a delightful meal that everyone will love!
- Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. You could also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost!
- Timing Adjustments: If you want to save time, cook your spaghetti ahead of time and store it in the fridge, allowing you to assemble the casserole even faster.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your casserole while baking to ensure it doesn’t dry out. If it looks ready but you want a bit more browning, switch on the broiler for the last couple of minutes—but stay close!
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- After enjoying your delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you may have some leftovers. Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Cool the casserole completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, an airtight container or freezer-safe bag can keep it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and heat it for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for individual servings if you’re in a hurry.
- With its creamy, savory goodness, the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!
