The Art of Ultimate Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Perfection

Perfect Pasta Cooking Technique

Master the method of cooking pasta to ideal texture for casserole assembly.

Meat Sauce Excellence

Learn the technique of creating flavorful, well-seasoned meat sauce with proper consistency.

Cream Cheese Layer Mastery

Perfect the skill of creating smooth, spreadable cream cheese mixture without lumps.

Strategic Layering Method

Master the art of assembling layers for even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.

Baking and Finishing

Learn optimal baking techniques for golden, bubbly top while ensuring heated interior.

Family-Style Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Mastery Secrets for Perfect Results

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

Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for smooth, lump-free layer.

Meat Browning: Brown meat thoroughly and drain excess fat for best texture.

Layer Assembly: Spread each layer evenly for consistent texture throughout casserole.

Cheese Coverage: Cover completely with foil first to prevent over-browning of cheese.

Resting Time: Allow casserole to rest before cutting for cleaner slices and better presentation.

Ultimate Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Golden Bubbling Perfection

Name: Ultimate Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Golden Bubbling Perfection
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Pasta Base:; 1 pound spaghetti pasta; 2 tablespoons salt for pasta water; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For the Savory Meat Layer:; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend); 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Rich Sauce Foundation:; 24 oz marinara sauce; 6 oz tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; For the Cream Cheese Layer:; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; For the Cheese Topping:; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

The ultimate cream cheese spaghetti casserole featuring tender pasta layered with rich, creamy cheese sauce and savory meat mixture, topped with golden melted cheese that bubbles to perfection. This comfort food masterpiece combines the satisfying appeal of classic spaghetti with the luxurious richness of cream cheese and the convenience of a hearty casserole, creating layers of flavor and texture that meld beautifully in the oven for an unforgettable family dinner that brings together the best of pasta comfort food and cheesy casserole indulgence.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

60 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Pasta Base:

1 pound spaghetti pasta

2 tablespoons salt for pasta water

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Savory Meat Layer:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Rich Sauce Foundation:

24 oz marinara sauce

6 oz tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 large egg

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Topping:

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Flavor Enhancement:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

For the Vegetable Addition:

1 bell pepper, diced

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

2 tablespoons butter

For the Casserole Preparation:

Butter for greasing dish

Cooking spray

For Special Equipment:

Large pot for pasta

Large skillet

9x13 inch baking dish

Electric mixer

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and generously grease 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, drain well.

Brown ground beef and sausage in large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes longer.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for additional minute until fragrant.

Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and red pepper.

Simmer meat sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

Meanwhile, sauté bell pepper and mushrooms in butter until tender.

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy using electric mixer.

Add sour cream, mayonnaise, egg, chives, garlic powder, and salt to cream cheese.

Beat cream cheese mixture until completely smooth and well combined.

Layer half of cooked spaghetti in bottom of prepared baking dish.

Spread entire cream cheese mixture evenly over pasta layer using spatula.

Add sautéed vegetables over cream cheese layer for extra flavor and nutrition.

Top with remaining spaghetti, spreading to cover cream cheese completely.

Pour meat sauce evenly over top pasta layer, covering completely.

Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses generously over sauce.

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes until heated through.

Remove foil and bake additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, and oregano before serving hot.

Ultimate Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Golden Bubbling Perfection

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Perfection

Ultimate Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with Golden Bubbling Perfection

Ingredients

Instructions