There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming, bubbly casserole straight from the oven, especially when it features spaghetti nestled in a luscious, creamy sauce.
The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole isn’t merely a meal; it’s like a warm embrace in a dish, ready to comfort your soul and tantalize your taste buds.
Ideal for any gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone eager to snag the recipe. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the enchanting blend of flavors that meld together so beautifully.
This isn’t just pasta; it’s an extraordinary experience that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary, making it a true standout that rivals even the finest restaurant fare.
Equipment:
- 10-inch Skillet: Perfect for browning your ground beef, giving it a rich, savory layer that’s essential for your casserole.
- Meat Masher Tool: An essential gadget to break down your beef evenly for consistent cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: Necessary for blending your ingredients to achieve a smooth, creamy spaghetti mixture.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The ideal dish for baking your casserole to a golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz Spaghetti: The main component of your casserole, ready to absorb all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 1 (26-oz) Jar Prepared Spaghetti Sauce: Adds convenience and a depth of flavor to your dish.
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, meaty layer that complements the creamy pasta.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: Adds a burst of Italian flavor to every bite.
- 1 Clove Garlic, Minced: Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that ties the flavors together.
- 1 (8-oz) Package Cream Cheese, Room Temperature: The secret ingredient that makes the casserole extra creamy.
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the overall flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat: Begin by setting your oven to 350ºF to create the perfect baking environment for your casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in your skillet until fully browned. Mix in the spaghetti sauce and let the flavors combine.
Step 3: Spaghetti Prep: Cook your spaghetti until al dente. Combine it with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to create a creamy base.
Step 4: Layer Up: In your greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, add your spaghetti mixture, top with the remaining meat sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake: Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
Notes:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate or freeze it, and bake when needed for a convenient meal.
- Baking Tips: If baking from the fridge, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly. For frozen casseroles, ensure they are thawed before baking.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm until the dish is as delicious as the first time.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting delight and a celebration on a plate. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making weeknight dinners feel special, it’s sure to become your new favorite pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Spaghetti: The main component of your casserole, ready to absorb all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 1 (26-oz) Jar Prepared Spaghetti Sauce: Adds convenience and a depth of flavor to your dish.
- 1 lb Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, meaty layer that complements the creamy pasta.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: Adds a burst of Italian flavor to every bite.
- 1 Clove Garlic, Minced: Infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that ties the flavors together.
- 1 (8-oz) Package Cream Cheese, Room Temperature: The secret ingredient that makes the casserole extra creamy.
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the overall flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat: Begin by setting your oven to 350ºF to create the perfect baking environment for your casserole.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef in your skillet until fully browned. Mix in the spaghetti sauce and let the flavors combine.
- Spaghetti Prep: Cook your spaghetti until al dente. Combine it with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to create a creamy base.
- Layer Up: In your greased baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, add your spaghetti mixture, top with the remaining meat sauce, and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.