The Best baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe
I’m so excited to share this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe with you all. It’s a family favorite that we’ve been making for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. I first tried this recipe at my sister-in-law’s house, and I was immediately hooked.
The combination of the creamy cream cheese, the savory spaghetti, and the crunchy breadcrumbs on top is absolute perfection. The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Just cook up some spaghetti, mix in the cream cheese and a can of condensed milk, and top it with some breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
It’s a great way to get in some extra veggies, too – just add in some steamed broccoli or carrots to the pasta for an added nutritional boost. One of the things I love about this recipe is how well it freezes. Just assemble the casserole as instructed, then freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast or lunch. This recipe is also a great way to get your kids to eat more vegetables. My kids are notoriously picky eaters, but they devour this casserole every time we make it.
And as an added bonus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover pasta or veggies you have lying around. I could go on and on about this recipe all day – but suffice it to say that it’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and easy casserole recipe.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
4.9 from 1681 votes
A rich and creamy baked spaghetti casserole made with cream cheese, ground beef, and marinara sauce. This hearty dish is topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting family meal.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
5Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then drain any excess fat.
6Reduce heat to medium and stir in the marinara sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7Continue stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and bubbly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
8Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently with the sauce until all the noodles are evenly coated.
9Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
10Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
11Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
12Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition.
Watch Video Of How Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Works
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a special dish to serve at family gatherings.
It’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to add in your own favorite ingredients or spices to make it your own!
As far as storage goes, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – or freeze them for up to 3 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. Keep in mind that it may affect the flavor slightly – but overall, it should still turn out delicious.
Q: How long does this casserole take to prepare?
A: This casserole is actually quite quick to prepare – just 20 minutes of prep time before baking! And once you’ve got all your ingredients ready, the rest is relatively hands-off.
Q: Can I make this casserole in individual portions?
A: Yes, you can make this casserole in individual portions using ramekins or small baking dishes. This is a great way to portion out meals for busy families or individuals.
Q: Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer. Just keep in mind that ground beef has a coarser texture than ground turkey – so you may need to adjust your cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by substituting gluten-free breadcrumbs with almond meal or coconut flour.
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