Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving a dish that’s utterly comforting, ridiculously cheesy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole! This isn’t your grandma’s spaghetti; oh no, this is a next-level, flavor-packed experience that will have you licking your plate clean. Imagine biting into tender spaghetti, coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with the warmth of Italian seasoning and the tang of cream cheese. That’s the magic of this recipe. The texture is a delightful contrast: the soft, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese sauce against the firm pasta and juicy ground beef. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. It’s the kind of dish that evokes feelings of warmth, coziness, and pure culinary satisfaction. This recipe is my go-to for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a comforting meal for myself. You’ll be hooked after just one bite, I promise!

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What You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this dreamy casserole is a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• 12 oz spaghetti: Your favorite brand will do! Choose a good quality pasta for optimal texture.
• 1 lb ground beef: Lean or regular, your preference! Brown it well for maximum flavor.
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce: A good quality jarred sauce is perfectly fine, or feel free to whip up your own from scratch.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The secret ingredient! Make sure it’s completely softened for easy mixing.
• ¼ cup sour cream: Adds a delightful tang and creaminess.
• ½ cup ricotta cheese: Provides a lovely, smooth texture and adds to the creaminess.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melting cheese! Use your favorite brand.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that extra layer of cheesy goodness and authentic Italian flair.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings all the flavors together.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra punch of garlicky goodness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the ground beef.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning your masterpiece!
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don’t overcook! Slightly firm pasta holds its shape better in the casserole.
3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Tip: For extra flavor, add a finely chopped onion to the beef while it’s browning.
4. Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Tip: If the cream cheese is too firm, microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften it completely.
5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked spaghetti, browned ground beef, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine. Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more garlic powder, Italian seasoning or salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Tip: For an extra crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and prevents a messy serving experience.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tricks to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key for preventing a mushy casserole.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened: This ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Drain the ground beef well: Excess grease can make the casserole greasy.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning: Every batch is slightly different, so taste and adjust to your preference.
• Let it rest before serving: This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

Variations to Try

Feeling creative? Here are a few variations to spice things up:

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
• Veggie boost: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the ground beef.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti.
• Spinach power: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach with the other ingredients for extra nutrients and flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? Absolutely! This casserole tastes even better the next day. Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Freezing is also an option; let it cool completely, wrap tightly in freezer-safe foil or plastic wrap, and then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this recipe, answered for you:

• Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses. Provolone, Fontina, or even a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack would all be delicious additions.
• How long does the casserole keep in the fridge? Stored properly in an airtight container, this casserole will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead of time and bake it when ready. Just keep it refrigerated until baking.
• What if I don’t have ricotta cheese? You can omit the ricotta cheese, but the casserole will be slightly less creamy. You could also substitute it with an equal amount of cottage cheese.
• Is this recipe easily adaptable for a crowd? Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredient amounts proportionally to fit the size of your baking dish and the number of guests you’re feeding.

The Final Word

This Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and cheesy goodness, making it ideal for any occasion. The creamy texture, rich flavors, and ease of preparation make it a winner in my book! I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you give it a try, be sure to rate this recipe and share your photos with me – I’d love to see your culinary creations!