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:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain excess fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and place the cooked spaghetti in a large mixing bowl.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Here are secrets to help you achieve the perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, ground beef, and fresh cream cheese for the best flavor.
- Properly Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- 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.
- Season the Ground Beef: Season the ground beef with Italian seasoning and minced garlic while browning it to infuse it with flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole before baking to add a delicious cheesy crust.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake the casserole just until it’s heated through and bubbly to prevent the spaghetti from drying out.
- 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.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.
- 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.
- Customize with Veggies: Mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added texture, flavor, and nutrition.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Before serving, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of the casserole for added richness and flavor.
- 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.
- Top with Bread Crumbs: For added crunch, sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole before baking.
- 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.
- Layer with Spinach: Add a layer of fresh spinach leaves between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra color, flavor, and nutrients.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair the casserole with warm garlic bread or garlic knots for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- 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:
- Can I use other types of pasta?
- Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine if preferred.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
- Absolutely, you can use fresh minced garlic for a stronger and fresher garlic flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano into the spaghetti mixture for a burst of freshness and flavor.
- 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.
- Mix in Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or spinach to the spaghetti mixture for added nutrition and texture.
- Try Different Meats: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Layer with Mozzarella: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra creaminess and gooeyness.
- Sprinkle with Bread Crumbs: Top the casserole with seasoned bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Enhance the Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce into the spaghetti sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Add Heat: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the spaghetti mixture for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon and mix it into the spaghetti mixture for a smoky and savory flavor.
- Top with Fresh Tomatoes: Add sliced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes on top of the casserole before baking for a burst of freshness.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top of the casserole before serving for added richness and flavor.
- Finish with Fresh Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole just before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
- Add Pesto: Stir in a tablespoon or two of pesto sauce into the spaghetti mixture for a vibrant and herbaceous flavor.
- Use Different Pasta Shapes: Try using different pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
- Layer with Spinach: Add a layer of fresh baby spinach leaves between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra color and nutrients.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese such as Gruyere, fontina, or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Mix in Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes to add a sweet and tangy flavor to the casserole.
- Garnish with Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair the casserole with homemade garlic bread or garlic knots for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Add a Layer of Ricotta: Spread a layer of creamy ricotta cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce for extra creaminess and richness.