Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed with creamy cream cheese, savory Italian-seasoned ground beef in spaghetti sauce, and topped with Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (26-oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your casserole is assembled.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the jar of prepared spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning. Add the minced garlic, mixing well. Set this flavorful meat sauce aside.
- Prepare Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Mix: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer the hot spaghetti to a large bowl. Add the room temperature cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. This creates a rich, creamy base mixed with the Italian seasoning and garlic flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan to keep the pasta from sticking. Then layer the creamy spaghetti evenly over the sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti, covering it thoroughly. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top to add a delicious golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the Parmesan is lightly golden. This ensures everything is heated through and flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
- If baking from refrigerated state, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time to ensure it’s heated through completely.
- For frozen casseroles, thaw completely before baking as directed.
- To reheat from frozen, thaw fully, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350ºF for 30 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
