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Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Creamy, cheesy spaghetti casserole with a rich cream cheese sauce, flavorful meat sauce, and plenty of mozzarella. A comforting family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 (4 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
  3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add the drained sliced mushrooms. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally (up to 1 hour for richer flavor).
  5. Cook the Spaghetti: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.
  6. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
  7. Drain the spaghetti well.
  8. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk.
  9. Beat with an electric mixer (or whisk) until smooth and creamy.
  10. Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss gently to coat.
  11. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  13. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the dish.
  14. Pour half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
  15. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
  16. Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti mixture, remaining meat sauce.
  17. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  18. Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  19. Bake for 20 minutes.
  20. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  21. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad, fresh parsley or basil, garlic bread, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Tips and Tricks:
    • Don’t overcook the spaghetti.
    • Use good quality spaghetti sauce.
    • Experiment with different vegetables and cheeses.
    • Make it ahead of time (add 10-15 minutes to baking time).
    • Freeze for later (thaw overnight before baking).
  • Variations:
    • Vegetarian: Omit ground beef and add more vegetables or lentils/black beans.
    • Chicken: Substitute ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken.
    • Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy spaghetti sauce.
    • Deluxe: Add a layer of ricotta cheese.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Find it online: https://www.yumbymika.com/cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole/