The Art of Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Creation

Perfect Pasta Cooking Technique

Master the skill of cooking pasta to ideal al dente texture for casserole success.

Meat Sauce Development

Learn the technique of building flavorful meat sauce with proper browning and seasoning.

Cream Cheese Layer Mastery

Perfect the method of creating smooth, well-seasoned cream cheese mixture.

Layering Strategy

Master the art of strategic layering for optimal texture and flavor distribution.

Baking Temperature Control

Learn optimal baking techniques for perfectly melted cheese and set layers.

Perfect Spaghetti Casserole Mastery Secrets for Creamy Comfort Food Excellence

Pasta Texture: Cook spaghetti al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Cream Cheese Softening: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth mixing.

Meat Browning: Properly brown meat for maximum flavor development in sauce.

Layer Assembly: Allow each layer to cool slightly before adding the next for better structure.

Resting Time: Let casserole rest after baking to allow layers to set properly.

Make-Ahead: Assemble casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.

Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Three Cheese Blend

Name: Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Three Cheese Blend
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Pasta Base:; 1 lb spaghetti noodles; 2 tablespoons salt for pasta water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Meat Sauce:; 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; For the Tomato Base:; 24 oz marinara sauce; 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained; 6 oz tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon oregano; For the Cream Cheese Layer:; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup cottage cheese; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; For the Cheese Blend:; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; For the Seasonings:; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

This ultimate comfort food casserole combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with rich cream cheese, savory ground beef, and a blend of three melted cheeses, all baked to golden perfection in a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece. This hearty family-friendly dish features layers of creamy pasta, seasoned meat sauce, and melted cheese that create an irresistible combination perfect for weeknight dinners, potluck gatherings, or any time you want to serve a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the table with its perfect balance of familiar flavors and comforting textures.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

65 Minutes

Chef

RUY

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta Base:

1 lb spaghetti noodles

2 tablespoons salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef (80/20)

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced

For the Tomato Base:

24 oz marinara sauce

14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained

6 oz tomato paste

2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon oregano

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup cottage cheese

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cheese Blend:

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Seasonings:

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Topping:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Assembly:

Cooking spray for casserole dish

Aluminum foil for covering

For Special Equipment:

Large pot for pasta

Large skillet

9x13 inch baking dish

Mixing bowls

Colander

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.

In large skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat.

Add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to meat, cook until softened.

Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste until combined.

Season meat sauce with Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld.

Meanwhile, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.

Beat in eggs and chopped parsley to cream cheese mixture.

Season cream cheese layer with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Combine mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses in separate bowl.

Layer half of cooked spaghetti in prepared baking dish.

Spread entire cream cheese mixture evenly over pasta layer.

Sprinkle half of cheese blend over cream cheese layer.

Add remaining spaghetti as top pasta layer.

Pour meat sauce evenly over top pasta layer.

Top with remaining cheese blend, covering completely.

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over cheese.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to set layers.

Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Three Cheese Blend

RUY

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Creation

Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Three Cheese Blend

Ingredients

Instructions