Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is an irresistible dish that combines creamy cheese and savory meat for a delightful meal. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this casserole is not only comforting but also easy to prepare. The standout feature of this recipe is its rich layers of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious casserole ready in no time.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The addition of cream cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that elevates traditional spaghetti.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for parties or family meals.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ground beef for turkey or make it vegetarian by using your favorite meat alternatives.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, which means less cleanup after a hearty meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need to prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for holding all the delicious layers of spaghetti and sauce.
• Large pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti evenly, ensuring it reaches the right tenderness.
• Skillet: Used to brown the ground beef and mix in the sauce, adding depth to the flavors.

Ingredients

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With layers of flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.

For the Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• A pinch of garlic salt

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Once boiling:
1. Add the spaghetti.
2. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to your liking.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta cooks:
1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly (about 5 to 7 minutes).
3. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl:
1. Place drained spaghetti.
2. Add softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
3. Stir until cream cheese melts and coats all the spaghetti evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In your greased baking pan:
1. Spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Layer with spaghetti mixture evenly on top.
3. Pour remaining meat sauce over spaghetti.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
2. Let it cool slightly before serving!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate this creamy delight.

Pair with Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Garden Salad: A mix of fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots tossed with a light vinaigrette balances the flavors perfectly.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices spread with garlic butter bring an irresistible crunch and flavor that complements the casserole.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: For cheese lovers, add mozzarella on top of your garlic bread before baking for an extra cheesy treat.

Serve with a Side of Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while providing a mild flavor that pairs well with the casserole.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These offer a nutty flavor and crispy texture that can enhance the overall meal experience.

How to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

To ensure your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is absolutely delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning choices: Don’t shy away from adding extra herbs or spices to the meat sauce for enhanced flavor.
• Cream cheese melting technique: Cut cream cheese into cubes before stirring it into the spaghetti for quicker melting and smoother mixing.
• Layer ingredients properly: When layering, make sure to distribute sauce evenly for consistent moisture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try using different types of cheese such as gouda or cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
• Use leftovers creatively: If you have any leftovers, consider turning them into a baked pasta dish by adding some more cheese on top and reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery knots drizzled with garlic oil provide a delectable addition to any dinner table.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage and carrots dressed in tangy vinaigrette adds brightness to your plate.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing side.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with herbs and breadcrumbs offer an elegant touch to your meal.
5. Zucchini Fries: Crispy zucchini sticks seasoned with parmesan add crunch without heavy calories.
6. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheese provides variety and sophistication alongside your casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the boiling step: Failing to boil the spaghetti properly can result in mushy pasta. Always cook it until al dente for the best texture.
• Not draining the meat: Leaving excess fat from the ground beef can make your casserole greasy. Be sure to drain the meat well before mixing it with the sauce.
• Overlooking seasoning: Forgetting to add Italian seasoning or garlic salt may lead to a bland dish. Season your ingredients generously to enhance flavor.
• Using cold cream cheese: If your cream cheese is too cold, it won’t melt properly into the spaghetti. Ensure it’s softened at room temperature before mixing.
• Neglecting baking time: Not baking long enough can leave your casserole cold in the center. Bake until bubbly and golden for a perfectly cooked dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute other pasta types like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.

What should I serve with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?

Pair this dish with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

How long does Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is an indulgent yet easy dish that brings comfort to any family dinner. Its creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, you can customize it by adding vegetables or different proteins to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese, savory meat, and tender pasta for a family-friendly meal. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table. With its rich layers of flavor from a hearty meat sauce and creamy cheese mixture, this casserole is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Best of all, it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 12 people, making it an easy choice for feeding a crowd.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt until well mixed.
5. Layer the bottom of the baking pan with a small amount of meat sauce, followed by the spaghetti mixture, then pour the remaining meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 55mg