Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and comforting dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the classic flavors of spaghetti. This casserole is perfect for a hearty family meal, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures with minimal effort. The cream cheese adds a smooth, velvety texture to the tomato sauce, while the melted cheese on top creates a deliciously gooey and golden finish.
Ingredients:
- For the Casserole:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the meat sauce and mix well. Gently fold in the cream cheese mixture until the pasta is evenly coated and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole warm. It pairs well with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
This casserole combines creamy, cheesy elements with the classic flavors of spaghetti to create a comforting and satisfying dish. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd or for preparing ahead of time and reheating for a quick and easy meal.
