Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines creamy pasta with flavorful meat sauce and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop the flavors.
5. Step 5: While the meat sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter.
7. Step 7: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
10. Step 10: Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
11. Step 11: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Spread evenly.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
13. Step 13: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
14. Step 14: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
15. Step 15: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering.
• Try using turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a twist.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add more vegetables.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To freeze, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

What type of spaghetti works best for this recipe?

Regular spaghetti works well, but you can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta according to your preference.

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that combines creamy cheese, hearty ground beef, and savory tomato sauce for an easy weeknight meal. Layers of tender spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese mixture are alternated with seasoned meat sauce and melted mozzarella, baked to bubbly perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese Mixture

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (part of total salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (part of total pepper)

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Simmer the Meat Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, stirring occasionally.
5. Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well to remove excess water.
6. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Add grated Parmesan cheese and milk, stirring until creamy.
7. Season Cream Cheese Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Combine Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl and gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
9. Layer the Casserole – First Layer: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
10. Layer the Casserole – Meat Sauce: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer and spread evenly.
11. Layer the Casserole – Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
12. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers once more with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
13. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
14. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese to lower fat content.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• Adding fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a fresh herbal touch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: cream cheese spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, easy casserole, ground beef pasta bake, creamy spaghetti