Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

aked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
  3. Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and place the cooked spaghetti in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: Add the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the spaghetti. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add the spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce, then layer with the remaining meat sauce.
  6. Top with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  8. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Here are secrets to help you achieve the perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:

  1. Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, ground beef, and fresh cream cheese for the best flavor.
  2. Properly Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
  3. Choose the Right Spaghetti Sauce: Select a spaghetti sauce with flavors that you enjoy, whether it’s marinara, meat sauce, or arrabbiata, to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
  4. Season the Ground Beef: Season the ground beef with Italian seasoning and minced garlic while browning it to infuse it with flavor.
  5. Cream Cheese at Room Temperature: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the spaghetti to ensure smooth and even blending.
  6. Mix Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Mix the softened cream cheese with the cooked spaghetti until it’s evenly distributed, ensuring every strand is coated for creamy goodness.
  7. Layering Technique: Layer the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture in the baking dish, alternating between the two, to ensure every bite is flavorful and balanced.
  8. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole before baking to add a delicious cheesy crust.
  9. Don’t Overbake: Bake the casserole just until it’s heated through and bubbly to prevent the spaghetti from drying out.
  10. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set and firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
  11. Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.
  12. Experiment with Cheese: Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or fontina, to add variety and depth of flavor to the casserole.
  13. Customize with Veggies: Mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added texture, flavor, and nutrition.
  14. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Before serving, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of the casserole for added richness and flavor.
  15. Add a Touch of Heat: Spice up the casserole by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the spaghetti sauce mixture.
  16. Top with Bread Crumbs: For added crunch, sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole before baking.
  17. Incorporate Bacon: Enhance the flavor of the casserole by adding crispy cooked bacon pieces to the spaghetti mixture or sprinkling them on top before serving.
  18. Layer with Spinach: Add a layer of fresh spinach leaves between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra color, flavor, and nutrients.
  19. Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair the casserole with warm garlic bread or garlic knots for a delicious and satisfying meal.
  20. Experiment with Add-Ins: Get creative and add your favorite ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to customize the casserole to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:

  1. Can I use other types of pasta?
    • Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine if preferred.
  2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
    • Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef to make a lighter version of the casserole.
  3. Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
    • Absolutely, you can use homemade spaghetti sauce if you prefer. Just make sure it’s equivalent to the amount specified in the recipe.
  4. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
    • Yes, you can add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
  5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
    • Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option.
  6. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
  7. Can I freeze leftovers?
    • Yes, you can freeze leftover portions of the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  8. Can I omit the meat for a vegetarian version?
    • Yes, you can omit the ground beef for a vegetarian version of the casserole. You may want to add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
  9. Can I use different cheeses?
    • Absolutely, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone to customize the flavor of the casserole.
  10. Can I add herbs or spices for extra flavor?
    • Yes, you can add additional herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano to the spaghetti sauce for extra flavor.
  11. Can I make this gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure that the spaghetti sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
  12. Can I add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch?
    • Certainly, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top of the casserole before baking for added texture.
  13. Can I use marinara sauce instead of spaghetti sauce?
    • Yes, you can use marinara sauce instead of spaghetti sauce if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
  14. Can I add cooked bacon or sausage to the casserole?
    • Absolutely, cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be added to the meat sauce for extra flavor and protein.
  15. Can I make this dairy-free?
    • Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and omit the Parmesan cheese to make a dairy-free version of the casserole.
  16. Can I add a layer of shredded cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce?
    • Yes, adding a layer of shredded cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce can add extra cheesiness and flavor to the casserole.
  17. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
    • Absolutely, you can use fresh minced garlic for a stronger and fresher garlic flavor.
  18. Can I add chopped fresh herbs for garnish?
    • Yes, garnishing the casserole with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil adds a burst of freshness and color.
  19. Can I use ground Italian sausage instead of ground beef?
    • Yes, ground Italian sausage can be used for a flavorful twist on the classic casserole.
  20. Can I use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option?
    • Yes, whole wheat spaghetti can be used to increase the fiber content of the casserole and make it a healthier option.

Here are some tips to make your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole even more delightful:

  1. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano into the spaghetti mixture for a burst of freshness and flavor.
  2. Use Flavored Cream Cheese: Experiment with flavored cream cheese varieties such as garlic and herb, sun-dried tomato, or jalapeno for added depth of flavor.
  3. Mix in Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or spinach to the spaghetti mixture for added nutrition and texture.
  4. Try Different Meats: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  5. Layer with Mozzarella: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra creaminess and gooeyness.
  6. Sprinkle with Bread Crumbs: Top the casserole with seasoned bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking for a crunchy topping.
  7. Enhance the Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce into the spaghetti sauce for added depth of flavor.
  8. Add Heat: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the spaghetti mixture for a spicy kick.
  9. Incorporate Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon and mix it into the spaghetti mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
  10. Top with Fresh Tomatoes: Add sliced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes on top of the casserole before baking for a burst of freshness.
  11. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of the casserole before serving for added richness and flavor.
  12. Finish with Fresh Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
  13. Add Pesto: Stir in a tablespoon or two of pesto sauce into the spaghetti mixture for a vibrant and herbaceous flavor.
  14. Use Different Pasta Shapes: Try using different pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
  15. Layer with Spinach: Add a layer of fresh baby spinach leaves between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra color and nutrients.
  16. Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese such as Gruyere, fontina, or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
  17. Mix in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the casserole.
  18. Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
  19. Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair the casserole with homemade garlic bread or garlic knots for a complete and satisfying meal.
  20. Add a Layer of Ricotta: Spread a layer of creamy ricotta cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra creaminess and richness.

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