Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! With creamy cream cheese, hearty ground beef, and tangy spaghetti sauce, this dish is baked to golden perfection. It’s a cheesy, savory meal that will satisfy the whole family and is perfect for any occasion. A great choice for dinner or potlucks, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and set aside.
- Prepare the spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and place the cooked spaghetti in a large mixing bowl.
- Add cream cheese mixture: To the bowl with the spaghetti, add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir well until the cream cheese is fully melted and coats the spaghetti.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the spaghetti mixture on top, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef: For a leaner version of this dish, opt for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add extra cheese: For an extra cheesy dish, consider adding shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan on top before baking.
- Make ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic will enhance the flavor of the casserole, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute if necessary.
- Serve with salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg