Description
Creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table, mixing classic pasta with rich, tangy cheese for a simple yet satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch of garlic salt
Instructions
- Boil 12 oz spaghetti in salted water for 8-10 minutes at a rolling boil until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a colander.
- Brown 1 lb lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and add 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Stir continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour entire 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce into the skillet. Simmer meat mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread 8 oz softened cream cheese across bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer with the back of a spatula.
- Layer half the cooked spaghetti over cream cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Spoon half the meat sauce over spaghetti, distributing evenly across the surface.
- Repeat layering process with remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle ½ cup Parmesan cheese and ½ cup mozzarella cheese across the top.
- Cover casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for additional 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for the best melting and flavor in your casserole.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly and creates a creamier texture throughout the dish.
- For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken and use low-fat cream cheese.
- Add extra herbs like fresh basil or parsley on top after baking to brighten the flavors and add a fresh touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 to 6
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg