Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious Italian-American dish featuring tender spaghetti mixed with creamy cheese and rich meat sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines simple ingredients like ground beef, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat to keep the dish leaner, then stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Mix Spaghetti and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, mixing in thoroughly along with garlic and Italian seasoning until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a small layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Add the spaghetti and cream cheese mixture on top, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti. Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use any spaghetti sauce brand you prefer or homemade sauce for a more personalized flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly with the spaghetti.
- For added flavor, sauté the garlic with the ground beef before adding the sauce.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake covered with foil and then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
