Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a hearty weeknight winner that tastes like a hug in casserole form, look no further than Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This dish delivers classic comfort food vibes, but with a creamy twist that sets it apart from your usual pasta bake. Sweet and tangy tomato sauce blankets perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender spaghetti weaves its way throughout, and a dreamy blanket of cream cheese and golden melted mozzarella brings it all together. As soon as this goes in the oven, your kitchen fills with the kind of rich, savory aroma that has everyone asking when dinner’s ready. Prepare to add this beauty to your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore about this recipe is how the ingredients are humble pantry staples, yet each one is crucial to the magic of the final dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every element makes a difference in your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The backbone of the casserole — sturdy enough to hold up under sauce and cheese, but tender enough to soak up every bit of flavor.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Gives the dish savory depth and heartiness, making it the satisfying main course everyone craves.
- 1 (28 oz) jar of spaghetti sauce: This brings tangy, herby brightness to the casserole; choose your favorite brand for a personal touch.
- 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese: The secret weapon — melted into the pasta, it creates a luscious, velvety sauce you’ll dream about.
- 1 clove of garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings in a cozy medley of dried herbs, echoing your favorite comfort food flavors.
- A pinch of garlic salt: Boosts the savoriness and rounds out the seasonings — just a pinch does wonders.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a salty, nutty finish that gets golden and irresistible in the oven.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The essential gooey, melty topping that makes every forkful a dream.
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). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, so nothing sticks and cleanup later is a breeze. This is a key first step to ensure every layer of your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole comes out just right!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick. Cook them until just al dente — about 12 minutes. This keeps the pasta tender but not mushy after baking. Drain the spaghetti and get ready for the next magic step.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Make the Sauce
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s browned and crumbly (about 5–7 minutes). Drain off any excess fat, then pour in your favorite jar of spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer together for a minute or two — this melds all those rich flavors and gives the beef time to soak up the sauce.
Step 4: Cream Cheese Dream
Transfer the hot drained spaghetti to a large bowl. Right away, while the pasta is still warm, add in the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats every strand of pasta. This is where the casserole really earns its signature creamy texture!
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Spoon just a bit of the meaty sauce onto the bottom of your prepared baking dish — it keeps the pasta from sticking and adds extra flavor. Next, pile in your luscious cream cheese-coated spaghetti. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top, making sure to cover the pasta evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses all over as your crowning glory.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling with hints of golden brown around the edges. The irresistible aroma will have everyone eagerly awaiting that first cheesy, steamy forkful of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Add a bit of fresh flair to every slice by topping your casserole with a shower of chopped parsley or basil. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of crushed red pepper gives it an extra pop of flavor and color that makes it feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with something bright and crisp, like a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or soft breadsticks on the side will help soak up every last bit of saucy, cheesy goodness!
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve straight from the pan and let everyone dig in. If you’re entertaining, try portioning the casserole into ramekins for a personal touch. Or, slice it into neat squares to stack on a platter for buffets or potlucks — the pretty layers always draw a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let the casserole cool, then cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It makes for a fantastic next-day lunch that reheats like a dream!
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well. Assemble the entire dish, but instead of baking, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Or, freeze baked leftovers in portions — perfect for solo meals on busy nights!
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole (or individual servings) with foil and warm in a 350 degree F oven until heated through. In a pinch, single servings can be microwaved, but using the oven will keep the top cheesy and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is traditional for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you can swap in other long noodles like linguine or even short pasta shapes like penne. Just be sure to cook any pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can skip the ground beef and instead use plant-based crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or even lentils as a hearty replacement. The result will still be wonderfully creamy and full of flavor.
Is it possible to lighten up the dish?
For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and add some extra veggies like spinach or zucchini to the sauce for an extra boost.
Can I prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes — it’s a terrific make-ahead dinner! Assemble the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers reheat best in the oven covered with foil at 350 degrees F until hot throughout. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta and keeps the cheese beautifully melty.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a bubbling pan of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole coming out of the oven, ready to feed a hungry crowd or nourish your family on a cozy night in. I can’t wait for you to try it — you’re in for a creamy, cheesy, utterly satisfying treat that’s destined to become a much-loved favorite!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting and creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole that combines the richness of cream cheese with savory ground beef and gooey cheeses. A family favorite for any weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
- 1 clove of garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- A pinch of garlic salt
Cheese Topping:
- 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Prepare Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, and mix in spaghetti sauce.
- Mix and Layer: Combine cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Layer spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheeses in the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables to the ground beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- This casserole freezes well, so consider making a double batch for a future meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, Creamy Spaghetti Casserole, Baked Spaghetti Casserole
