Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect comfort food that will bring everyone running to the table, let me introduce you to Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and saucy with golden, bubbling cheese on top, this casserole takes classic spaghetti to a whole new level of coziness. It’s a family favorite for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you want to serve something generously hearty and deeply satisfying—without a lot of fuss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole lies in its lineup of humble, colorful ingredients. Each one brings much-needed flavor, moisture, or that irresistible melty texture, so don’t skip a thing!
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The pasta foundation that holds everything together and soaks in all those flavors.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds hearty richness and makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
- Spaghetti Sauce (1 28 oz jar): Use your favorite brand for savory, tomato-based goodness that coats every strand.
- Cream Cheese (1 8 oz package, softened): The secret to the ultra-creamy, luscious texture in every bite.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Gives a subtle kick and aromatic depth to the base layers.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of dried herbs for that classic Italian flair.
- Garlic Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors while bringing out the best in the cream cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): For a nutty, sharp bite right on top that browns beautifully in the oven.
- Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup, shredded): Brings the stretchy, gooey finish everyone loves with casseroles.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) so it’s perfectly hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan; this not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents your delicious casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s just al dente—about 12 minutes. You want the strands to hold their shape in the casserole. Drain the pasta well; nobody wants watery casserole!
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
While the spaghetti cooks, grab a big skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up as you cook until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat, then stir in your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce. Let it warm together for a couple of minutes so the flavors mingle.
Step 4: Mix Spaghetti With Creamy Goodness
Transfer your drained spaghetti back into the pot or a large bowl. Add in the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Give everything a thorough stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the spaghetti evenly, forming an irresistible silky sauce that clings to every strand.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, pile in your cream cheese-laced spaghetti. Top with the remaining meat sauce, making sure to cover the pasta completely. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top for that ultimate cheesy finish!
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is gorgeously golden and bubbly. That’s your signal to grab your oven mitts and get ready for the delicious unveiling!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch by scattering fresh basil, chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving. These fresh garnishes complement the creaminess and bring a pop of color to your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette pairs brilliantly with the richness of the casserole. Don’t forget warm garlic bread or homemade breadsticks to help scoop up every last bit of sauce and cheese—you’ll want to savor it all!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Or for casual gatherings, let everyone help themselves straight from the casserole dish—there’s something special about sharing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole family-style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Just cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even more flavorful the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole up to the baking step, then wrap it tightly in several layers of foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole casserole (covered with foil) into a 350 degrees F oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk or extra sauce to keep things nice and creamy if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work great and make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole a bit lighter. Just add a dash more seasoning if you like extra flavor.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem—just use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary. It’s all about getting that herby aroma into the dish!
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are delicious additions. Sauté them briefly with your beef or turkey before adding the sauce for extra flavor and a veggie boost.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply substitute gluten-free spaghetti for regular, and double-check that your spaghetti sauce and cream cheese are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains just as comforting!
Can I make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes of bake time if you’re starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a tried-and-true crowd pleaser that’s as easy as it is delicious, you just can’t go wrong with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. I hope it finds a happy spot in your recipe rotation—invite your favorite people over, dish up generous servings, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite together!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. A rich and comforting dish that combines creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
- 1 clove of garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- A pinch of garlic salt
Toppings:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the 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 Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef, drain fat, and mix with spaghetti sauce.
- Mix Cream Cheese: Combine cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer meat sauce, spaghetti mixture, and top with cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- You can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions for extra flavor.
- Feel free to customize the cheeses to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, Cream Cheese Pasta Bake
