Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s a step above your usual pasta night, you need this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in your life. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with a hearty marinara and beef sauce, every forkful is pure coziness. This casserole is the answer to weeknight hunger pangs, big family gatherings, or any time you want a dish that’s as soul-soothing as it is satisfying. The irresistible combination of velvety cream cheese and classic spaghetti brings a little magic to every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is in its simplicity—these pantry staples and fresh ingredients join forces to create amazing flavor and texture. Each element has a purpose, from the cream cheese’s silkiness to the punch of Italian seasoning.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Go for classic spaghetti to hold all that sauce and cheesy goodness.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): This brings savory depth and heartiness to each bite.
- Spaghetti sauce (28 oz jar): Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade variety for a rich tomato base.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret ingredient for creamy, tangy goodness that sets this casserole apart.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a fresh, aromatic kick to the creamy pasta.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings those classic herby notes and rounds out the overall flavor.
- Garlic salt (pinch): Enhances every other flavor and adds that irresistible savory touch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): For nutty, salty depth and a golden finish on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melts into gooey strings for a perfectly cheesy crown.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or a swipe of oil—this helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Setting up your pan first lets you transition smoothly from stovetop to oven.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your spaghetti and stir occasionally to prevent clumping. Cook until it’s just al dente—tender with a bit of bite—usually around 12 minutes. Drain well, because nobody wants a watery casserole!
Step 3: Make the Hearty Beef Sauce
While the pasta cooks, set a skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the lean ground beef. Stir frequently until it’s browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in your jar of spaghetti sauce. Let this simmer for a few minutes so all the flavors can mingle.
Step 4: Build the Cream Cheese Spaghetti Base
Once drained, transfer your hot spaghetti to a large bowl. Immediately add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir until the noodles are fully wrapped in creamy, flavorful goodness and the cream cheese is completely melted into the pasta. This step is where the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole really sets itself apart!
Step 5: Assemble and Layer
Start layering in your prepared baking pan. First, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and kick-start the flavor. Next, pile in all the creamy spaghetti. Top it off with the rest of the beef and tomato sauce. The last step: blanket the entire surface with grated Parmesan and a hearty sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling at the edges and the cheese on top is gently golden. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps everything set and makes for perfect slices.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Serve with a flourish! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over each slice for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. A grind of black pepper or a dusting of extra Parmesan never hurt, either—little touches make the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy Italian dressing. Garlic bread is always a hit for mopping up those extra cheesy bits, and simple roasted vegetables bring brightness to your dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve straight from the baking dish at the table. Hosting a crowd? Bake in individual ramekins for adorable, party-ready portions. You can even garnish each plate with a scoop of ricotta or a handful of baby arugula for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the pan with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Want to save some for a rainy day? Let your casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap (or use a freezer-safe container). It will last in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, cover with foil and reheat in a 350 degrees F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20–30 minutes). Short on time? Individual portions can be microwaved—just add a splash of water or sauce to keep things moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?
Absolutely! While classic spaghetti gives the signature texture, feel free to swap in linguine, penne, or even whole wheat noodles. Just be sure to cook them al dente so your casserole isn’t too soft.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. You can substitute the ground beef for meatless crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Just keep the flavorful sauce and creamy base for the same comforting result.
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra five or ten minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.
What’s the best way to soften the cream cheese?
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. In a rush? Microwave it (out of the foil package!) in 10-second bursts until soft and spreadable.
How do I make the top extra golden and bubbly?
If you want an irresistible cheesy crust, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye on it—the cheese goes from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal with crowd-pleasing appeal, put this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole at the top of your list. It’s easy, luscious, and endlessly comforting—the kind of dish everyone asks you to make again and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole that brings together the richness of cream cheese with savory ground beef, topped with a gooey cheese blend. A family favorite for cozy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- A pinch of garlic salt
Cheese Topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add spaghetti sauce.
- Mix Spaghetti: Combine drained spaghetti with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
- Layer and Bake: Layer meat sauce, spaghetti, and remaining sauce in the baking pan. Top with cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, Spaghetti Casserole, Cream Cheese Casserole, Baked Pasta
