Spaghetti Casserole With Cream Cheese Recipe
Spaghetti is a classic pasta dish that we all love. It is one of the easiest meals to prepare and can be customized to suit different tastes. One variation of spaghetti that has become increasingly popular in recent times is spaghetti casserole with cream cheese. This dish is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare. In this article, we will be sharing an easy-to-follow recipe for spaghetti casserole with cream cheese that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 package of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious spaghetti casserole with cream cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the can of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese until it becomes smooth.
- Spread half of the spaghetti in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cream cheese over the spaghetti. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cream cheese.
- Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top of the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations:
One great thing about spaghetti casserole with cream cheese is that it can be customized to suit different tastes. Here are some variations that you can try:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Replace the canned tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with your favorite pasta sauce.
- Add some vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of cheese such as Parmesan, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- For a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce.
Conclusion:
Spaghetti casserole with cream cheese is a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With the simple recipe above, you can make a tasty spaghetti casserole in no time. Experiment with different variations and find the one that suits your taste buds the most. Your family and friends will love it!