Creamy Dreamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole the Ultimate Comfort Food

Creamy Dreamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Fancy a big hug in a dish? Ever crave something utterly comforting? I know I do! That's why I'm sharing my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe.

Honestly, this dish is like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. It’s pure food heaven.

This Italian American Casserole is likely evolved from classic Italian American baked pasta dishes. Think classic spaghetti marinara but elevated. It's got a tangy cream cheese sauce and gets baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

This Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe will become your new go-to. It's a guaranteed family favourite. Ideal for those Soft Dinners and even a Comfort Food Casserole night.

Why This Casserole Will Win You Over

This recipe is dead simple. We are talking about easy peasy here. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour. This Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Ground Beef will feed 6-8 hungry souls.

One of its main benefits? It's packed with protein and will keep you feeling full. Perfect for a satisfying Family Dinner Ideas , don't you think?

So, What Makes It Special?

The cream cheese layer, hands down. It adds a tangy, creamy richness that takes the Baked Spaghetti to a whole new level.

This ingredient makes this a Cream Cheese Dinner to remember. It is a brilliant twist on a classic and it feels extra special.

Plus, everyone loves a good casserole. This is the perfect Weeknight Pasta Bake to add to your repertoire.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Dreamy Casserole

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. We're aiming for an Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe , right?

Main Ingredients: The A-Team

• Spaghetti: You'll need 1 pound (450g) . Go for your favourite brand. I like mine al dente!
• Olive Oil: Just 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Nothing fancy here.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon , plus more for the pasta water. Salt is your friend, season generously!
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) . Lean ground beef is a winner.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup .
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't be shy with the garlic.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a little kick, you know?
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , softened. Crucial that it's soft for a smooth sauce.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Adds that tang.
• Egg: 1 large , lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup , grated.
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Salt: A pinch.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150g) , shredded. For that cheesy, bubbly topping!

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

The classic oregano and basil combo is essential. Honestly, it smells amazing! You could add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce to balance the acidity, too.

If you're feeling adventurous, a little smoked paprika never hurt anyone. For a kick, the red pepper flakes are your best friend.

If you don't have oregano and basil, use 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti, obvs.
• Large Skillet: For the meat sauce.
• 9x13 inch Baking Dish: The heart of this Comfort Food Casserole .
• Mixing Bowls: For the cream cheese mixture and other bits.

You don't need any fancy equipment to make this Family Dinner Ideas a reality. A wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease will do the trick.

Now, let's get cooking this Italian American Casserole, also a great and Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe !

Creamy Dreamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Alright, let's get cracking on this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe! Honestly, you guys are in for a treat.

This is proper comfort food. You know, the kind that hugs you from the inside?

It's an Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe that's going to become a regular on your table. And don’t worry, even if you're not exactly a culinary wizard, you can totally nail this.

We're talking proper Italian American Casserole vibes here.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, let’s get organised. Gotta have that essential mise en place, you know? Chop your onion (about 1 cup), mince your garlic (2 cloves), and get that cream cheese (8 ounces) softening.

Honestly, the cream cheese is key. If it's not soft, you'll have lumps.

For a time saving tip, measure out all your spices beforehand. This stops you from scrambling about later. And a quick safety reminder: watch those fingers when chopping! Nobody wants a trip to A&E, do they?

Baking Your Way to Deliciousness: step-by-step

1. Cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to the pack. Al dente is key. This should take around 8- 10 minutes . Drain it well. Give it a toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Soggy pasta equals soggy casserole.
2. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a pan. Drain off the fat, no one likes a greasy Cream Cheese Dinner ! Add that onion and cook till soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Chuck in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes .
4. Mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 beaten egg, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
5. Smear the cream cheese mix on the bottom of your baking dish. Then layer your cooked spaghetti on top. Pour that meat sauce over it all.
6. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Want to elevate your Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Ground Beef ? Try browning the meat a bit longer. It adds a deeper flavour.

A common mistake? Overcooking the pasta. You want a little bite, not mush.

If you’re feeling organised, you can make the meat sauce a day ahead. This Comfort Food Casserole gets even better overnight.

This Weeknight Pasta Bake is about to become your new best friend.

This Baked Spaghetti is what I call a win-win! Enjoy!. You've got some serious Family Dinner Ideas right here.

Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Right, so you're ready to nail this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make this the most epically delicious, proper Comfort Food Casserole ever .

Honestly, it's easier than you think, and these tips will make sure your Easy Baked Spaghetti Recipe is a total success.

Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Insta Worthy (If You're That Way Inclined!)

Alright, plating up doesn't need to be a chore, You know? A simple sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of colour.

If you're feeling fancy (and I sometimes do), a dollop of ricotta cheese on top looks stunning. To make your Italian American Casserole a real showstopper, a good old garlic bread is a must!

Don't forget the classic Caesar salad for that fresh contrast, or maybe some simply steamed broccoli to pretend we're being healthy!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive

Right then, got leftovers? Pop them into an airtight container. The Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .

To reheat, just whack it in the microwave or oven until piping hot. If you want to get ahead, this is a great make-ahead meal .

Assemble the casserole (unbaked), wrap it well, and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezing works too! Let the baked casserole cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in foil before freezing. This ensures the Soft Dinners can be enjoyed in the future.

Variations: Make it Your Own, innit!

Look, dietary needs? No sweat! For a veggie version, swap the ground beef in the Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Ground Beef for some awesome lentils or mushrooms.

Boom. Vegetarian! Or if you wanna swap the spaghetti, there's nothing wrong with a good penne, rigatoni, or your favourite pasta shapes.

For a slightly lighter version, try using light cream cheese. Honestly, play around! This Weeknight Pasta Bake is seriously adaptable.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit of What You Fancy Does You Good

Ok, so this isn't exactly a salad, but everything in moderation, eh? This Cream Cheese Dinner contains protein from the meat and cheese, carbs from the pasta, and, well, a bit of delicious fat! It's hearty and filling and will probably lead to you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, if you're anything like me!

So, get cracking! This Baked Spaghetti is waiting for you. Have fun, don’t be afraid to experiment, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy mouthful!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time? My week is crazy busier than Coronation Street!

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step) and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's going straight from the fridge to the oven. Just make sure it's heated through and bubbly before serving.

My family isn't a fan of ground beef. What other protein can I use in this Creamy Dreamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

No worries, this recipe is super adaptable! You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage (just remove the casings first), or even plant based crumbles for a vegetarian option. You could even use shredded chicken or cooked shrimp for a different twist whatever floats your boat!

Help! My Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is too watery. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?

A watery casserole usually means the pasta wasn't drained well enough or the meat wasn't browned and drained properly. To avoid this in the future, make sure to drain the spaghetti thoroughly after cooking and drain off any excess grease from the meat after browning.

If it's already watery, you can try blotting up some of the excess liquid with paper towels before baking or increasing the baking time slightly to help it evaporate.

How do I store leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, and how long will it last?

Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

You might want to add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella on top before reheating to freshen it up.

Can I freeze this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole? I'm all about meal prepping these days.

Good thinking! Yes, you can freeze it. Assemble the casserole in a freezer safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, and then cover it with foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, you may need to increase the cooking time until it is heated through. For best results, add the mozzarella topping just before baking after thawing.

Is this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole healthy? What are some ways to make it a bit lighter?

While it's definitely comfort food, you can make some swaps to lighten it up! Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fibre, opt for ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef, and use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.

Adding some extra veggies like chopped bell peppers or spinach to the meat sauce is another great way to boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavour. Remember, moderation is key!