Description
Spaghetti lovers will adore this creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole that combines classic pasta with rich, tangy cheese. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal that pulls you back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- ½ cup (120 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 g) ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Immerse spaghetti in generously salted boiling water, cooking until tender. Drain completely and reserve for layering.
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic, releasing its fragrant essence. Blend cream cheese and sour cream into the skillet, creating a smooth base.
- Sauce Fusion: Incorporate crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning into the skillet mixture. Simmer to meld flavors and develop a rich, creamy sauce that coats and enhances the pasta’s character.
- Casserole Assembly: Meticulously combine cooked spaghetti with the velvety sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage. Transfer the dressed pasta to a prepared baking dish, spreading into an uniform layer.
- Cheese Topping: Preheat oven to 375F. Generously scatter mozzarella and Parmesan across the casserole surface, creating a potential golden, bubbling crust that promises textural complexity.
- Baking Transformation: Slide the casserole into the heated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, with an optional broiler finish to achieve a crisp, caramelized cheese crown. Allow a brief resting period after removal.
- Final Touch: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to introduce a vibrant, aromatic element before serving the completed dish.
Notes
Choose Quality Pasta: Select high-quality spaghetti with good texture to ensure the best final result and prevent mushy consistency during baking.
Balance Cheese Mixture: Whisk cream cheese and sour cream thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats pasta evenly without separation.
Prevent Overcooking: Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, maintaining ideal al dente texture and preventing sogginess.
Customize Cheese Topping: Layer cheeses strategically for maximum melting potential, mixing mozzarella and Parmesan to create a golden, crispy exterior with rich, complex flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg