why make this recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that everyone in the family will love. This dish combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with creamy cheese and hearty meat sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy days.

how to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb lean ground beef
1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
1 clove of garlic (minced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
A pinch of garlic salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain fat and stir in spaghetti sauce.
Drain spaghetti and place it in a bowl. Add cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated.
Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Put the spaghetti on top and then top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses on top.
Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 30 minutes.

how to serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Serve the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole warm, straight from the oven. It goes well with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also add extra cheese on top before serving if you want a cheesier dish.

how to store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven or microwave until heated through. If freezing, wrap the casserole tightly before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

tips to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, so it holds up well in the casserole.
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

variation

You can make this casserole with different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. Add in your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought spaghetti sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe.

Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.

Q: What can I serve with this casserole?
A: It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole