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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. This hearty casserole combines the richness of cream cheese with the savory flavors of spaghetti and a touch of spices. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving for more.
Ingredients
For this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound of spaghetti
– 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the beef and tomato mixture. Spread half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the spaghetti mixture in the baking dish. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Variations
There are several ways to customize your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
– Add a layer of shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
– Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
– Mix in some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your unique flavor profile.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to enhance your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
– Make sure not to overcook the spaghetti as it will continue to cook in the oven.
– Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this casserole will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use gluten-free spaghetti or any other pasta of your choice.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the richness of cream cheese with the savory flavors of spaghetti, ground beef, and diced tomatoes. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix cooked spaghetti with beef and tomato mixture. Spread half in the baking dish.
- Spread cream cheese over spaghetti in the dish. Top with remaining spaghetti mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
