Description
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring layers of creamy, cheesy spaghetti and flavorful meat sauce. Perfect for family dinners, this casserole combines tender spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese mixture with seasoned ground beef sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 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
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease to keep the sauce from being too oily.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Meat Sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. Longer simmering enhances taste.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Add Parmesan and Milk: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and milk into the cream cheese mixture until fully blended.
- Season the Mixture: Mix in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Coat Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Layer the Casserole – First Layer: Pour half of the coated spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly for a solid base.
- Layer the Meat Sauce: Spoon half of the simmered meat sauce over the spaghetti layer and spread it evenly to cover the pasta.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce layer for a melty, cheesy topping.
- Layer the Casserole – Second Layer: Repeat the layering by adding the remaining spaghetti mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce, and finishing with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set before serving. This helps slices hold together better and enhances flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to make the dish leaner.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier topping if desired.
- Ensure to drain spaghetti very well to avoid a watery casserole.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
