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Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked pasta dish featuring layers of creamy cream cheese-coated spaghetti, savory ground beef tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty casserole combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with a creamy twist, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Cheese Mixture

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (included above)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (included above)
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor.
  5. Cook spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  6. Make cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth.
  7. Add Parmesan and milk: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and milk until creamy and well blended.
  8. Season cream cheese mix: Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  9. Toss spaghetti: Add cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
  10. Layer casserole (first layer): Pour half of the coated spaghetti into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  11. Add meat sauce layer: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer, spreading evenly.
  12. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese: Scatter half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce.
  13. Repeat layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
  14. Bake casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  15. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, simmer the meat sauce longer than 15 minutes if desired.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and cheeses to reduce fat content if preferred.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, baked pasta casserole, ground beef spaghetti, easy dinner recipe, cheesy spaghetti bake

Find it online: https://familyfavplates.com/cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole-recipe/