Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that’s rich and flavorful without being overly heavy. This casserole combines tender spaghetti with a luscious cream cheese sauce, layered with savory marinara, and topped with melted cheese for a perfectly golden finish.

It’s the ideal dish for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, and if you prefer a lighter version, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make casserole that’s sure to please, you’ve come to the right place. The combination of creamy, cheesy pasta and a savory tomato sauce makes this dish a crowd favorite. Not a fan of heavy cream sauces? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious with a lighter cheese blend!

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×13 inches)
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
5. Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
7. Combine Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until well coated.
8. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture and meat sauce.
9. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
10. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole!