Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you are looking for a tasty and filling meal that is also easy to prepare, you might want to give the baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe a try. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests over, as it is both comforting and impressive. Plus, it can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences, as you can add or substitute ingredients as you wish. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making this yummy casserole, as well as share some tips and variations.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 (26-ounce) jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound of ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms (if using), and garlic to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add about 1/2 cup of the spaghetti sauce to the cream cheese and stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the remaining spaghetti sauce in the skillet and stir well to coat.
- Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti mixture in dollops.
- Spread the remaining spaghetti mixture on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
Here are some ideas to make your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe even more delicious and versatile:
- You can use any type of spaghetti you like, including whole wheat, gluten-free, or vegetable-based.
- If you don't eat meat, you can use plant-based crumbles or skip it altogether.
- You can add more veggies to the sauce, such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach.
- You can use different types of cheese or a combination, such as cheddar, parmesan, or provolone.
- You can add some heat to the dish by using spicy spaghetti sauce, adding red pepper flakes, or using hot Italian sausage.
- You can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until you are ready to bake it. Just make sure to thaw it first if frozen and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion:
The baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves pasta and cheese. It is a crowd-pleaser that will make your taste buds dance and your stomach full. The recipe is easy to follow and adaptable, so you can make it your own. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side dish, it will surely become a favorite in your household. Give it a go and let us know what you think!
