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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 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.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well to remove excess water.
- 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.
- Season Cream Cheese Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Layer the Casserole – Meat Sauce: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer and spread evenly.
- Layer the Casserole – Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers once more with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- 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.
- 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
