Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Heaven!
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- Salt for boiling water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and remove from heat.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with the cooked spaghetti noodles. Mix until the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
6. Add the meat sauce to the spaghetti mixture and stir gently to combine.
7. Transfer half the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Layer the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 550 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
Tips:
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more robust flavor and better melting texture.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.