Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a hug on a plate that melts in your mouth. With creamy cheese, hearty ground beef, and flavorful spices, it’s an experience that’s sure to satisfy anyone’s cravings. Perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals, this step-by-step guide will make preparing this culinary delight a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is an absolute gem for several reasons. Firstly, it features easy prep, allowing anyone to whip it up with minimal fuss. It’s family-friendly, ensuring even the pickiest eaters in your household will relish every bite. The dish combines quick elements with traditional flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals. Plus, it uses minimal ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight choice when you’re short on time or energy.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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
1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Each ingredient contributes something unique to this dish: the spaghetti provides a hearty base, while the cream cheese creates a silky richness. The spices and vegetables add depth, ensuring every forkful is a new burst of flavor!

Step-by-Step Directions for Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease to keep your casserole from getting too oily.

2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and aromatic.

3. Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, letting the spices meld with the meat and veggies.

4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add the drained sliced mushrooms. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, allowing the flavors to develop for about 15 minutes (or longer for a richer flavor).

5. Cook the Spaghetti: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions (about 8-10 minutes) until perfectly al dente. Drain the spaghetti well.

6. Create the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

7. Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated in the rich, cheesy blend.

8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

9. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish, then pour half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.

10. Layer: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, the remaining meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

11. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

12. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld even further.

Tips & Tricks

• Extra Creaminess: For a richer experience, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the cheese mixture.
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in some fresh spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
• Meat Variations: Swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Feel free to add more cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole can shine on its own, but pairing it with garlic bread and a simple mixed green salad elevates the meal. A drizzle of balsamic reduction over the salad adds a touch of elegance, while some fresh basil leaves sprinkle on top of the casserole offer a beautiful presentation.

Nutritional Information

While enjoying this indulgent dish, keep in mind its nutritional benefits. Typically, a serving contains around 350-400 calories, offering a satisfying balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to keep you energized through your day.

Storing Tips & Variations for Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

If you happen to have leftovers — though that’s rare with this dish! — you can store your Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to two months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you want to lighten the dish, consider swapping regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion for Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its easy preparation and rich flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today, and delight your taste buds with its incredible cheesiness!

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it before baking.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Simply omit the ground beef and substitute it with a mixture of your favorite vegetables or lentils for protein.

3. Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
   Absolutely! It freezes well. Just assemble it, but do not bake before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw and bake.

4. Can I use different cheeses?
   Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties to personalize the flavor.

5. What should I serve with this casserole?
   Garlic bread and a fresh salad make excellent sides that complement the flavors of the casserole perfectly.

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A comforting and creamy spaghetti casserole with ground beef, cream cheese, and flavorful spices, perfect for family dinners.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add the drained sliced mushrooms. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for about 15 minutes.
5. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Beat until smooth.
7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing gently.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the dish, then pour half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
10. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the cheese mixture. You can also sneak in fresh spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

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