Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish

Prepare yourself for the ultimate comfort dish: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This casserole is a hit at any gathering, always sparking requests for the recipe. Ideal for preparing ahead of time, you can simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Whether you’re feeding a large group or just looking for a delicious meal to enjoy at home, this spaghetti casserole promises to be the best pasta dish you’ve ever tasted—truly restaurant-quality!

Delightfully Creamy and Unbelievably Easy

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and parmesan with hearty ground beef and a robust spaghetti sauce. The result is a creamy, savory dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a festive gathering, this casserole will become your go-to for a meal that impresses without stress.

Pro Tips for Perfect Spaghetti Casserole

1. Sauce Layering: Start with a thin layer of meat sauce in your baking dish to prevent sticking and to infuse flavor into every bite of spaghetti.
2. Cheese Distribution: Ensure the cream cheese is evenly distributed by mixing it thoroughly with the hot spaghetti and seasonings. This step is crucial for that perfect creamy texture.
3. Finish with Cheese: Don’t hold back on the parmesan cheese topping—it adds a delightful crust to the casserole that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
4. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and keep it refrigerated. Simply bake it the next day for an effortless meal.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Serving: 8 servings
• Equipment: 10-inch skillet, meat masher tool, mixing bowls, 9×13-inch baking dish

The ease of preparation combined with its delicious taste makes this casserole perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to social gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 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

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350ºF.
2. Cook the Beef: In your skillet, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked; drain any excess fat. Mix in the spaghetti sauce and set aside.
3. Prepare Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti as per the packet’s instructions. After draining, transfer it to a mixing bowl. Mix in cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic until the spaghetti is well-coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Grease your baking dish lightly. Spread a small layer of meat sauce at the bottom, top with the creamy spaghetti, then cover with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.

Notes:

• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
• When baking from refrigerated, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• For baking from frozen, ensure it is fully thawed and then bake as initially instructed.
• To reheat a frozen casserole, first thaw completely. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350ºF for 30 to 40 minutes, until thoroughly heated.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a larger gathering, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole stands out for its creamy texture and robust flavor.

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