Cream Cheese Casserole

Madeline

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the cream cheese mixture. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
Spread half of the cream cheese-coated noodles in the greased baking dish.
Top with half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the noodles.
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles and meat sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the specific type of pasta you choose.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold when you put it in the oven.

3. Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Certainly! You can freeze leftovers of this casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef or sausage. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

5. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the ground meat altogether or substituting it with plant-based ground meat alternatives. You can also add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

6. Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and sour cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and sour cream if you prefer. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor of the casserole may be slightly different.

7. Can I customize the seasonings in the meat sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the meat sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs and spices such as thyme, basil, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

8. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, you can add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to this casserole for added flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the meat sauce.

9. Can I use different types of cheese for topping the casserole?

Certainly! You can use any cheese you like for topping the casserole, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste.

10. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?