Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers

There’s something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole on a chilly evening, don’t you think? That’s where my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole comes in! This dish combines the familiar flavors of spaghetti with a creamy twist that takes it to a whole new level. I remember making this for the first time when my kids were little. After a long day, all I wanted was a quick, satisfying meal that would make everyone smile. As soon as they took their first bite, their faces lit up, and I knew I had a winner! The creamy texture from the cream cheese blended with the hearty ground beef and rich spaghetti sauce is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds!)!

Ingredients List

• 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, room temperature
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350ºF. This step is crucial! Preheating ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly right from the start. It helps the cheese melt beautifully and bubbles up just the way we love it. So don’t skip this step – trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Cook the Ground Beef

Now, grab a skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your lean ground beef and let it brown, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it to be cooked through and no longer pink, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once it’s done, be sure to drain off any excess fat. Then, stir in that jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two while you move on to the next step. This sauce is going to be the heart of your casserole!

Prepare the Spaghetti

While the beef is cooking, you can multitask by boiling your spaghetti! Cook it according to the package directions until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. Once it’s perfectly cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander. Make sure to shake off any excess water; we want it nice and dry so the sauce sticks well!

Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Now, here comes the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the room-temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir it all together until the cream cheese melts and coats every strand of spaghetti evenly. It might take a little muscle, but keep mixing until it’s creamy and smooth. You want that beautiful, cheesy goodness mixed throughout!

Assemble the Casserole

Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Start by spreading a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This acts as a delicious base for your layers. Then, carefully add your creamy spaghetti mixture on top of that sauce, spreading it out evenly. Finally, layer the remaining meat sauce on top and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over everything. It’s like a cozy, cheesy blanket for your casserole!

Bake

Now it’s time to bake! Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. If you can’t resist, give it a little peek halfway through – just make sure to close the oven door quickly. The smell is divine, and trust me, the wait will be worth it!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving to help you plan your meal:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 25g

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But rest assured, this casserole packs a hearty punch of comfort with every bite!

Tips for Success

Now, let’s make sure your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole turns out perfectly every time! First off, always use high-quality ingredients. Trust me, fresh spaghetti sauce can make a huge difference; pick one that you love to eat on its own! And don’t skimp on the cream cheese – it’s the star of the show! Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly into the pasta.

When cooking the ground beef, don’t rush it. Browning it well brings out those deep flavors that elevate the entire dish. And remember, draining the fat is crucial; we want the casserole to be creamy, not greasy.

Another little tip? If you want a little extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture. They’ll add a lovely sweetness! And for a bit of added depth, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a kick.

Lastly, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after you take it out of the oven. This will help it set up nicely, making it easier to serve! Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste!

Variations

One of the best things about my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is how versatile it is! You can easily mix it up to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. For a burst of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the meat sauce; they’ll brighten up the dish beautifully! If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce.

Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the nutrition and add a lovely texture. You could even swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. And if you want to give it a different twist, try using a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese instead of parmesan for a gooey, cheesy topping. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal complete, consider serving my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with a simple side salad. A fresh mix of greens topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the casserole. You could also whip up some garlic bread or a crunchy baguette to soak up all that delicious sauce! If you want to keep it light, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus add a lovely pop of color and nutrients to your plate. These sides are not just tasty; they elevate the whole dining experience!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers from your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole? Lucky you! This dish stores like a champ. To keep it fresh, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s well sealed to avoid any unwanted fridge odors!

If you want to freeze it, you can do that too! After cooling, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just remember to label it with the date so you know when it needs to be enjoyed!

When you’re ready to dig in again, if it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Once it’s thawed, or if you’re baking from fresh, pop it in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 30-40 minutes. Cover it with aluminum foil for the first half of baking to keep it moist, then uncover it to let the top get that golden, bubbly finish. You’ll be amazed at how good it tastes even after a day or two!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator or even freeze it for later. Just make sure to cover it tightly. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q2: What can I use instead of ground beef?
If ground beef isn’t your thing, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You could also use Italian sausage for a bit of extra flavor. Just make sure to cook it through before mixing it into the casserole!

Q3: Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free spaghetti. Just double-check the ingredients in your spaghetti sauce too, and you’re all set!

Q4: How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option, and it can last for up to 2-3 months!

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! You can add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the mix. They not only boost the nutrition but also add extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to cook them beforehand so they don’t release too much moisture into the casserole!

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