Description
The Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake offers a delicious twist on the traditional spaghetti dinner. Perfect for a family meal, this casserole blends the savory taste of ground beef, the smooth texture of cream cheese, and the rich flavor of spaghetti sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty dish designed to satiate and comfort, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 1 26 oz jar prepared spaghetti sauce
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– 1 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s completely browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and mix in the spaghetti sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the water and transfer the spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Add the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the cooked spaghetti. Stir thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and the cream cheese has melted completely.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over this, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Servings & Preparation Time
– Servings: 6 to 8
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
– Storage: Let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering it and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4 days.
– Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
– Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, approximately 20 minutes. For individual servings, a few minutes in the microwave will suffice.
Conclusion
The Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake is a versatile dish that combines the beloved flavors of spaghetti and meat sauce with the creamy richness of melted cream cheese. It’s a satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this casserole promises to deliver comfort and flavor in every bite.
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Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 1x
Description
The Creamy Beefy Spaghetti Bake offers a delicious twist on the traditional spaghetti dinner. Perfect for a family meal, this casserole blends the savory taste of ground beef, the smooth texture of cream cheese, and the rich flavor of spaghetti sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. It’s a hearty dish designed to satiate and comfort, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 26 oz jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s completely browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and mix in the spaghetti sauce. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the water and transfer the spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: Add the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the cooked spaghetti. Stir thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and the cream cheese has melted completely.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over this, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Finish by sprinkling the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes