Here’s the full blog post for your “Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole” recipe, structured with the sections you requested (no Equipment section). I’ve incorporated the optional add-ins into the “Tips & Tricks” section.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: A Cheesy, Comforting Classic
Introduction
If you’re craving a dish that’s the ultimate blend of creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is calling your name! Layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a luscious cream cheese mixture come together under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. I love how the creaminess cuts through the tangy marinara—it’s a match made in heaven. Ready to bake up some cozy goodness? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:
12 oz spaghetti – The perfect pasta base for all those layers.
1 lb ground beef – Savory and hearty goodness.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce – Your favorite sauce for that classic Italian vibe.
8 oz cream cheese, softened – Creamy richness that steals the show.
¼ cup sour cream – A tangy boost for the cheese layer.
½ cup ricotta cheese – Smooth and mild creaminess.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty, stretchy perfection.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty depth for the topping.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs for that Mediterranean flair.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Easy, savory punch.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Keeps the spaghetti from sticking.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – A bright, fresh finish.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready for a cheesy masterpiece!
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes – Quick cooking and mixing.
Cook Time: 35 minutes – Time to bake it bubbly and golden.
Total Time: 50 minutes – A comforting meal worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole step by step:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to keep everything from sticking.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the Parmesan cheese (¼ cup). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Add the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti, smoothing it into an even layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Tips & Tricks
Make this casserole even better with these handy pointers:
Add Veggies: Stir sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers into the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Meat Swap: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier, richer profile.
Cheese Boost: Mix in extra mozzarella or swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a different cheesy twist.
Pasta Prep: Cook the spaghetti just shy of al dente—it’ll soften more in the oven.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready—just add 10-15 minutes if baking cold.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal in itself, but these sides make it a feast:
Garlic Bread: Crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing to balance the richness.
Roasted Broccoli: A simple green side with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Red Wine: A glass of Chianti to complement the Italian vibes.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this dish later (it’s amazing as leftovers!):
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. Or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—the texture may soften slightly.
Nutrition Info
This dish is hearty and indulgent! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings):
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 24g – From the beef and cheeses.
Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 15g) – From the cheeses and beef.
Carbohydrates: 28g – Mostly from the spaghetti.
Fiber: 2g – A bit from the sauce and pasta.
Sugar: 5g – Naturally occurring in the marinara.
Sodium: 900mg – Varies with sauce and salt; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a cheesy, creamy dream that’s as comforting as it gets. The layers of spaghetti, tangy meat sauce, and that luscious cream cheese blend make it a standout dish—perfect for feeding a hungry crew or savoring over a couple of days. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the oven. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own twist! Happy baking!
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