Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
1 lb spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat:
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
3. Add the Sauce:
Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. This will form the creamy base for the casserole.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meat sauce, and cream cheese mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
6. Layer the Casserole:
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. You can add a little extra mozzarella on top for a cheesier finish.
7. Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden brown on top.
8. Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cheese, if desired. Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!