Description

Experience the ultimate comfort food with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This creamy dish blends gooey cheese, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and savory ground meat for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and irresistible aroma. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a crowd-pleaser for all!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz spaghetti
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
24 oz marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve half a cup of pasta water.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (4-5 minutes), then add garlic for another minute.
Add ground meat; cook until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Mix in cream cheese until melted, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Fold cooked spaghetti into the mixture, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer half the mixture in a greased baking dish, top with half the mozzarella, repeat layering.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven.