Why You’ll Love This Casserole
Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and have your family asking for seconds. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this casserole is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep for busy days. The combination of rich cream cheese, savory meats, and tender pasta creates a dish that is comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
You’ll love this dish not just for its taste, but also for its simplicity and versatility. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a mouthwatering casserole that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Add Sauces: Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, allowing everything to heat through for 3-5 minutes.
- Mix with Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti to the meat and sauce mixture, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Customize Your Proteins: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage, chicken, or even a plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
- Veggie Additions: For a healthier twist, add some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when you’re ready to serve!
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Spaghetti is an incredibly versatile and comforting meal that brings joy to any dining table. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and delicious, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a hearty dish for gatherings. Try it out and savor the delightful flavors that this casserole has to offer!
Feel free to print this recipe card or share it with friends and family! Enjoy your Cream Cheese Spaghetti!
Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces spaghetti (or your preferred pasta) Cook according to package instructions.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) Should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for adding to the mixture and topping.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
Meat and Sauces
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) Can substitute with Italian sausage or a vegetarian option.
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces) For the base layer of the sauce.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces) With juices, adds flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional) Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Preparing the Meat
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, allowing everything to heat through for 3-5 minutes.
Final Assembly
- Add the drained spaghetti to the meat and sauce mixture, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing well.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
Baking
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.