Description

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish combining tender spaghetti, savory ground beef simmered in spaghetti sauce, and a creamy mixture of cream cheese and Italian seasonings, all baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers rich flavors and an easy preparation that makes it a hearty crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti and Sauce

12 oz spaghetti
1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced

Cheese Mixture and Topping

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. Set this meat sauce mixture aside.
Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.
Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the spaghetti in the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese melts and evenly coats all the spaghetti strands, creating a creamy base.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and the Parmesan cheese has turned lightly golden.
Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking to allow it to set a bit before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors!

Notes

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
To make this dish ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Use part-skim cream cheese for a lighter version.
If preferred, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.