Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that takes traditional spaghetti to a whole new level. It’s layered with a rich cream cheese mixture and savory marinara sauce, creating a deliciously hearty meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
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The creaminess of the cheese balances perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce, making each bite a cozy and satisfying experience. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make casserole that’s packed with flavor and sure to please, this recipe is for you. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this baked spaghetti casserole will become a fast favorite!
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the cream cheese mixture.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cook Time:
- 45 minutes
Total Time:
- 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition:
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large mixing bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the cream cheese mixture.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing to coat the noodles evenly. Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 45 minutes
- Total Time:
- 1 hour 5 minutes
- Nutrition:
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
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