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Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Creamy, cheesy spaghetti casserole with a rich meat sauce and bubbly mozzarella topping. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or potlucks!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes (or longer for richer flavor).
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  6. Drain the spaghetti well in a colander.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss well to coat.
  10. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  11. Pour half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer and spread evenly.
  12. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
  13. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
  14. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  15. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  16. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Notes

  • Add Vegetables: Sauté some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion for added nutrients and flavor.
  • Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use a vegetarian meat substitute or add more vegetables.
  • Add Ricotta: Mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with the cream cheese mixture for an even creamier texture.
  • Use Different Pasta: While spaghetti is classic, you can also use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
  • Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
  • Freezing Instructions: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Find it online: https://www.yumcrafty.com/cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole/