Looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the answer! With its creamy, cheesy goodness and flavorful meat sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain the fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Creamy Mixture: Add the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the cooked spaghetti. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is thoroughly coated in the creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8 servings
Serving and Storage Tips :
After preparing this delectable Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, here are some serving suggestions and storage tips to help you enjoy every last bite:
Serving Suggestions:
- Family Dinner Delight: Serve generous portions of the creamy spaghetti casserole alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying family dinner.
- Potluck Pleaser: Bring this mouthwatering casserole to your next potluck or gathering to impress friends and family with its creamy texture and rich flavors.
- Meal Prep Marvel: Portion out leftovers into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. Pair with your favorite side dish or veggies for a complete meal.
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: If you have extra casserole that you won’t be able to finish within a few days, you can freeze it for longer storage. Transfer cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy your frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick and convenient meal.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers later on. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection for years to come!
Variations :
Looking to add a twist to your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole? Here are some creative variations to consider:
1. Veggie Power:
- Incorporate sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach into the spaghetti mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
2. Chicken Swap:
- Substitute lean ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef to create a lighter version of this classic dish.
3. Pesto Passion:
- Replace the spaghetti sauce with pesto sauce for a flavorful and aromatic twist on this casserole.
4. Meat Lover’s Dream:
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon or Italian sausage to the spaghetti mixture for a hearty and indulgent variation.
5. Cheesy Overload:
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone for a cheesier casserole experience.
6. Tex-Mex Twist:
- Spice things up by adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and a packet of taco seasoning to the meat sauce mixture for a Tex-Mex flair.
7. Mediterranean Magic:
- Add chopped black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the spaghetti mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
8. Spinach Surprise:
- Mix in chopped fresh spinach or thawed frozen spinach to the spaghetti mixture for added color and nutrients.
9. Creamy Mushroom Madness:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic and onions until tender, then stir them into the spaghetti mixture for a creamy and earthy variation.
10. Zesty Lemon Pepper:
- Add lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the spaghetti mixture for a refreshing and zesty flavor profile.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred type of spaghetti, whether it’s traditional, whole wheat, or gluten-free, based on your dietary preferences.
Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if baking it directly from the refrigerator.
Q3: Can I use ground meat alternatives like plant-based crumbles?
- Certainly! You can substitute plant-based crumbles or other meat alternatives for the ground beef to create a vegetarian or vegan version of this casserole.
Q4: Can I add additional spices or herbs to the spaghetti mixture?
- Of course! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding additional spices or herbs such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes.
Q5: Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?
- While you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the creaminess and richness of the dish compared to using full-fat cream cheese.
Q6: Can I add eggs to the spaghetti mixture for extra richness?
- While some recipes call for eggs to be mixed with the spaghetti, this particular recipe does not require them. However, you can certainly experiment with adding beaten eggs for added richness if desired.
Q7: Can I customize the level of spiciness in the casserole?
- Absolutely! Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing a mild, medium, or spicy spaghetti sauce, or by adding extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce mixture.
Q8: Can I use different types of pasta besides spaghetti?
- Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini instead of spaghetti for a fun and unique twist on this casserole.
Q9: Can I add extra cheese on top of the casserole before baking?
- Definitely! Feel free to sprinkle additional cheese such as shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese on top of the casserole for an extra cheesy finish.
Q10: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
- Absolutely! Portion out any leftover casserole into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
With these variations and FAQs in mind, you can easily customize your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving a classic version or want to experiment with new flavors, the possibilities are endless with this versatile and comforting dish!
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple preparation and irresistible flavors, it’s the perfect comfort food dish for any occasion. Try it out and watch it disappear from the dinner table in no time!
