Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines creamy cheese, hearty ground beef, and classic Italian flavors. Perfect for a family dinner, it bakes into a cheesy, flavorful meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: While the meat sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter.
7. Step 7: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
10. Step 10: Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
11. Step 11: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Spread evenly.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
13. Step 13: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
14. Step 14: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
15. Step 15: Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor and richness.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat.
• Add chopped mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for more vegetables.
• Try using different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

What type of spaghetti is best for this recipe?

Regular dried spaghetti works best for this casserole. Cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 133 reviews

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy pasta bake featuring layers of tender spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese mixture, savory ground beef sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make casserole combines classic Italian flavors with a luscious texture, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound spaghetti

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (included in cream cheese mixture but also used in sauce to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (included in cream cheese mixture but also used in sauce to taste)
• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their flavors.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Longer simmering enhances the flavor depth.
5. Cook Spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess water in the casserole.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
7. Add Cheese and Milk: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and milk, stirring until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly runny, perfect for coating the pasta.
8. Season Cream Cheese Mixture: Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed for balanced flavor.
9. Toss Spaghetti in Cream Mixture: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the cream cheese bowl. Gently toss the noodles to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
10. Layer Casserole – First Layer: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour half of the coated spaghetti into the dish, spreading it evenly.
11. Add Meat Sauce Layer: Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer, ensuring full coverage.
12. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer for a gooey, cheesy finish.
13. Repeat Layers: Repeat the process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, then the rest of the meat sauce, and finish with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
14. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
15. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier slicing.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
• Use fresh mozzarella cheese for an even creamier cheese topping.
• Feel free to add mushrooms or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate; bake just before serving.

Keywords: cream cheese spaghetti casserole, spaghetti bake, cheesy pasta casserole, easy pasta bake, comfort food casserole