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Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

A delightful comfort food that perfectly combines creamy cheese, hearty spaghetti, and seasoned meat, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauces
  • 1 pound spaghetti, cooked A staple for a hearty base, cooked to perfection.
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 ounces) The foundation of the meat sauce, bringing classic Italian flavors.
Creamy Mixture
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Provides the luscious creaminess that binds everything together.
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted Adds richness to the dish.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Brings a nutty depth to the flavor.
  • 1/4 cup milk Helps achieve the right creamy consistency.
Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 pound ground beef For protein, offering a hearty component.
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper For a fresh crunch.
  • 1 can sliced mushrooms (4 ounces), drained For an earthy taste.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Delivers aromatic zing.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning A blend of herbs for a fragrant finish.
Toppings
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese The ultimate topping that browns beautifully.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking. Drain off excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add the drained mushrooms. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Mix until smooth.
Assembly
  1. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until well coated.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture, half of the meat sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
Baking and Serving
  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  2. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a hint of spice, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can experiment with different cheeses or include more veggies, like spinach or zucchini. This casserole can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavor.