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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

It’s a coincidence that you stumbled upon the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe just when you’re looking for a comforting dish to serve at your next gathering. This casserole not only brings together familiar ingredients but also offers a unique twist that can elevate your usual pasta night. As you consider how this dish could fit into your meal plan, you might wonder about its origins and the best ways to customize it for your taste. Exploring these aspects could transform your approach to casseroles forever.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite for so many home cooks. Its quick preparation time of just 15-20 minutes makes it perfect for busy weeknights. You can easily scale the recipe to serve larger groups, making it great for family meals or potlucks. The ingredients are adaptable; you can swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for ground beef, and use ricotta or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. Plus, it’s flexible for cooking methods—make it ahead and reheat or freeze it for later. With a balanced mix of carbs, proteins, and fiber, this casserole offers both nutrition and convenience for any meal. Additionally, it’s a good source of protein, providing 49% of your daily value in just one serving.

History

Although pasta dishes have long been a staple in American cuisine, the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole emerged as a unique blend of traditional Italian-American flavors and modern convenience.

Its roots trace back to the mid-20th century, as cooks began incorporating cream cheese into pasta recipes. By the 2000s, spaghetti casseroles became popular, often featuring ground beef and classic Italian spices. The cream cheese trend gained traction around 2010, thanks to food bloggers experimenting with creamier dishes. In 2011, the recipe gained significant online attention, and by 2023, it became a favorite on many food blogs. Today, you’ll find various versions, including vegetarian options, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings and potlucks. Additionally, the dish is praised for being easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, allowing for quick meal options that cater to busy families.

Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious twist on traditional spaghetti, combining the richness of cream cheese with classic marinara and hearty ground beef. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

With layers of creamy pasta, savory meat, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that brings everyone to the table. The recipe isn’t only simple to follow but also allows for some flexibility. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, making dinner prep a breeze. Additionally, the use of high-quality jarred marinara can greatly simplify preparation and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or add your favorite vegetables or spices, this casserole is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

  • 12-16 oz spaghetti
  • 8 oz block cream cheese
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

  1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  3. In a separate pot, melt the cubed cream cheese. You can do this by adding it to the hot pot or mixing it with the warm spaghetti.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, melted cream cheese, and marinara sauce until well mixed.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a 13 x 9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  6. Begin layering the casserole by spreading a small amount of the meat and sauce mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Follow this with half of the spaghetti mixture, then another layer of meat and sauce, and top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
  7. Finish by spreading the remaining meat and sauce mixture over the top. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

For the best experience, remember to cook the spaghetti slightly al dente, as it will continue to soften during baking. Using a high-quality marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of the dish considerably.

If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add extra cheese on top for a crispy, golden edge. Leftovers can be easily reheated; just add a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking experience with this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, remember that the versatility of this dish is one of its greatest strengths. You can easily customize it by using ground turkey, half beef and half Italian sausage, or even substituting ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. Consider adding mushrooms or green bell peppers for extra flavor, and try fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. If you need a different pasta, linguine or penne works just as well. Serve your casserole with a garden salad and creamy Italian dressing, or pair it with pepperoncini garlic bread. It’s perfect for potlucks or gatherings, and don’t forget to adjust baking time for larger portions! Additionally, the casserole can be made ahead of time, allowing for even more convenience during busy days. Enjoy your creation!

FAQ

After enjoying your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you might’ve some questions about the recipe or its variations.

The main ingredients are spaghetti, cream cheese, and ground beef. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and you should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish works best for this dish, which yields eight servings. This dish is popular for its family-friendly nature and satisfying taste.

To cook the ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium heat. Melt the cream cheese and mix it with the cooked spaghetti, Italian seasoning, and garlic.

Bake the casserole for 30 minutes until bubbly. Feel free to swap ingredients, like using ground turkey or adding mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 12-16 oz spaghetti
  • 8 oz block cream cheese
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Instructions
  • Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
  • In a separate pot, melt the cubed cream cheese. You can do this by adding it to the hot pot or mixing it with the warm spaghetti.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, melted cream cheese, and marinara sauce until well mixed.
  • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a 13 x 9 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Begin layering the casserole by spreading a small amount of the meat and sauce mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Follow this with half of the spaghetti mixture, then another layer of meat and sauce, and top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
  • Finish by spreading the remaining meat and sauce mixture over the top. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
  • For the best experience, remember to cook the spaghetti slightly al dente, as it will continue to soften during baking. Using a high-quality marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of the dish considerably.
  • If you're feeling adventurous, feel free to add extra cheese on top for a crispy, golden edge. Leftovers can be easily reheated; just add a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture. Enjoy your delicious creation!

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