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Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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This easy baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole combines creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender noodles for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal, it’s a cheesy twist on classic spaghetti that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (16 oz) spaghetti noodles
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, or cottage cheese)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray. Let cream cheese soften at room temperature.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta or cottage cheese (if using) until smooth and creamy.
  6. Spread half the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Dollop and gently spread half the cream cheese mixture over the noodles. Pour half the meat sauce on top and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
  7. Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, sauce, and top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t get mushy during baking. Use a thick marinara sauce to avoid a watery casserole. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate; add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cream cheese spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, casserole, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser, cheesy pasta, Italian casserole, potluck recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-easy-baked-dinner-for-a-crowd/