Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

When it comes to comforting, easy-to-make meals, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a recipe that never fails to please. The creamy cream cheese and savory spaghetti sauce combine with the hearty ground beef to create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and filling. I made this for my family one night when I was craving something cheesy and comforting, and it quickly became a new favorite. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and you can make it ahead of time for a hassle-free dinner. With its creamy texture, the zesty spaghetti sauce, and the perfectly baked cheese, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

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, softened
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.

Cook the Ground Beef:

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it is fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat and then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let the sauce simmer while you prepare the rest of the casserole.

Prepare the Spaghetti:

3. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and place it in a large mixing bowl.

Add Cream Cheese Mixture:

4. To the bowl of cooked spaghetti, add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and coats the spaghetti, creating a creamy mixture.

Layer the Casserole:

5. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce, and then pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for added flavor and richness.

Bake:

6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is lightly golden.

Serve:

7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: ~400 kcal (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Sugar: ~8g
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Fat: ~20g
• Saturated Fat: ~9g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~8g
• Trans Fat: ~0g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Protein: ~25g
• Cholesterol: ~50mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm: This casserole is best served hot, fresh out of the oven, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top.
• Pair with a side salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• Add garlic bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the extra sauce and cheese.
• Top with fresh herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
• Serve as a main course: This casserole is hearty enough to be the centerpiece of your meal, but it also pairs well with light sides like roasted vegetables.

Additional Tips

1. Use lean ground beef: For a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
2. Add extra vegetables: To boost the nutritional content, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
3. Make it ahead of time: This casserole can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven the next day for a quick and easy dinner.
4. Use full-fat cream cheese: For a richer, creamier texture, use full-fat cream cheese. Low-fat cream cheese can make the casserole a bit less creamy.
5. Check for seasoning: Taste the meat sauce before layering it with the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra Italian seasoning if needed.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or additional vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Garlic Version: Mix in minced garlic with the cream cheese for extra flavor or sprinkle garlic powder on top before baking.
• Add Mozzarella: For extra cheesiness, layer shredded mozzarella cheese in between the spaghetti and sauce, or sprinkle on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at family dinners: This casserole is perfect for a family meal, as it’s filling and easy to prepare in large quantities.
• Ideal for potlucks: Make it for a potluck, as it travels well and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Great for meal prep: Prepare a big batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches throughout the week.
• Serve with wine: Pair with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the flavors of the meat sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Store leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat individual servings, microwave the casserole for 1-2 minutes or until hot. For the best texture, reheat in the oven.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought sauce?
   Yes, store-bought spaghetti sauce works perfectly well for this recipe. Just choose a good quality sauce or your favorite brand.
2. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
   Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta of your choice.
3. Can I use different cheeses?
   Yes, you can swap out the Parmesan cheese for other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or even cheddar if you prefer.
4. How can I make this casserole spicier?
   To make the casserole spicier, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in chopped green chilies.
5. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
   Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
6. How do I store the casserole?
   Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
7. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then bake it the next day.
8. Can I make this casserole with ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work as a leaner option in this casserole.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
   If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes on the stovetop before adding it to the casserole.
10. How do I know when the casserole is done?
    The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the noodles are lightly golden.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The creamy combination of spaghetti, beef, and cheese baked into a casserole creates a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering, this casserole is a delicious and easy choice that will surely impress. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Try it out, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe in your collection!

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