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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole combines tender pasta, creamy seasoned cream cheese, hearty ground beef sauce, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella. It is an easy, comforting baked pasta dinner that works perfectly for weeknights, family meals, and potlucks.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 28-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pinch garlic salt
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 12 minutes or according to the package directions.
  • While the pasta cooks, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until no pink remains.
  • Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. Pour the spaghetti sauce into the cooked beef and stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Drain the cooked spaghetti well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl while it is still warm.
  • Add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt to the spaghetti. Toss and stir until the cream cheese melts and evenly coats the noodles.
  • Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Arrange the cream cheese-coated spaghetti evenly over the sauce layer.
  • Spread the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti, making sure the pasta is well covered.
  • Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is fully melted.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook the spaghetti only until al dente and mix it with the cream cheese while the noodles are still warm. The residual heat helps the cream cheese melt evenly, while slightly firm pasta prevents the casserole from becoming soft or mushy during baking.