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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful dish that’s become a favorite in my household. With its rich layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and the comforting familiarity of spaghetti, it’s a meal that brings everyone to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is bound to impress even the pickiest eaters. Let me take you through how to create this easy yet indulgent casserole that’s sure to be a hit!
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole your next family meal. For one, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. You can whip this up without breaking the bank, using ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, so you’ll have more time to enjoy dinner without the stress of complex cooking.
This dish is child-approved as well, thanks to its cheesy goodness and familiar spaghetti taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family brunch, this casserole fits right in. It’s comfort food at its finest!
"This spaghetti casserole was a hit in our family! My kids couldn’t get enough of the creamy cheese and savory sauce. It’s now a regular on our dinner menu!" – Happy Home Cook
The cooking process explained
Let’s break down the steps so you can visualize how this creamy masterpiece comes together. By the end of the process, you’ll create a bubbling casserole that’s golden on top and filled with delicious flavors that meld perfectly together.
Gather these items
To make this delectable casserole, you’ll need 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, softened
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Feel free to substitute whole grain or gluten-free pasta if you need to cater to dietary requirements. You can also swap in different cheeses or proteins to suit your taste.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set this mixture aside.
- Cook the spaghetti: In a separate pot, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain it and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix in the cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the spaghetti, stirring until the cream cheese melts and coats the noodles evenly.
- Layer the dish: Spread a bit of the meat sauce at the bottom of your greased baking dish. Next, layer the spaghetti mixture, then pour over the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole can be served straight from the oven, topped with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Pair it with garlic bread for a hearty meal, or a simple side salad to balance out the richness of the cheese. A glass of red wine might also elevate your dining experience!
How to store & freeze
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Helpful cooking tips
To make the cheese blend even smoother, consider mixing it with a splash of warm milk before adding it to the spaghetti. Additionally, using a combination of cheeses could add depth to the flavor. Shredded mozzarella and fontina could give it a creamy texture that mere Parmesan might not achieve.
Creative twists
Want to switch things up? You can easily modify this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the meat mixture for a healthier twist. Alternatively, try using different flavored spaghetti sauces, like a spicy arrabbiata, for some heat.
Common questions
Q: How long does this casserole take to prepare?
A: The entire preparation and baking time is approximately one hour.
Q: Can I make this spaghetti casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A: Yes, simply substitute traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I involve kids in the cooking process?
A: Definitely! Children can help in mixing the ingredients or layering the casserole.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce for an extra kick.
Final thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that can easily become a staple in your home. It’s the kind of meal that brings loved ones together, so give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to leave a comment with your results!
This article is designed to engage readers, providing a balance of essential information and a personal touch to enhance the cooking experience.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the spaghetti, stirring until cream cheese melts and coats the noodles evenly.
- Spread some of the meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with the spaghetti mixture, add the remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.