Baked Spaghetti Casserole With Cream Cheese
Introduction
Are you looking for a comforting and delicious dish that can be served on any occasion? Look no further than baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese! This dish is incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated for busy weeknights. In this article, we'll share a delicious recipe for baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese and provide tips on how to make it more flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
To make baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Here's how to make baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Add the spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet with the meat. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat and sauce. Toss to combine.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the cream cheese mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, cream cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
If you want to make your baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese even more flavorful and nutritious, try some of these variations:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage for a leaner protein option.
- Add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish more wholesome and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette to add some freshness and color to your meal.
Conclusion
Baked spaghetti casserole with cream cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed on any occasion. It's easy to make, customizable, and can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love. So why not try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills?