Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you love comforting, cheesy pasta bakes, get ready to swoon over this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a heart-warming blend of creamy, garlicky spaghetti layered with savory ground beef and smothered in melty cheese. Every slice delivers nostalgia and excitement in every bite! With bold flavors, a perfectly tender noodle base, and that irresistible golden top, this casserole is your ticket to pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity! Each ingredient plays a starring role, delivering a dish that feels both classic and delightfully indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need to bring Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole to life:
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The foundation of our casserole, perfect for soaking up that rich, creamy sauce while holding its texture.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Brings hearty flavor and makes the dish satisfying enough for any appetite.
- Spaghetti Sauce (28 oz jar): Adds rich tomato flavor and helps marry all the ingredients together beautifully—go for your favorite jar!
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret weapon! This gives the casserole its luxurious, creamy texture and a hint of tangy depth.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just a little fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor that brightens up the entire dish.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Classic Italian herbs bring an aromatic, herbal note that sets the casserole apart from plain old spaghetti.
- Garlic Salt (a pinch): Enhances the flavor and ties in with the fresh garlic—just enough to make the other flavors sing.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): For that salty, nutty finish on top that everyone loves to see melted and bubbly.
- Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup, shredded): Melts perfectly and adds that glorious cheese pull when you serve it up!
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). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick grease so your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole slices come out perfectly every time, with no stubborn sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Next, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your spaghetti and cook it for about 12 minutes—just until it’s tender but still has a bit of bite. Stir occasionally so nothing clumps together. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside while you work some magic with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Make the Sauce
While the spaghetti cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and crumbly—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then pour in your jar of spaghetti sauce and stir everything together. The sauce will get infused with all those savory, meaty flavors.
Step 4: Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Drain your spaghetti and place it in a large mixing bowl. Immediately add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir everything together while the pasta’s still hot—the cream cheese will melt right in, creating a rich, velvety coating on every strand of spaghetti.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Spoon just a bit of the meat sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This ensures that the spaghetti layer won’t stick and gets a little extra flavor boost! Spread your cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce, then pour the rest of the meat sauce on top, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle your grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. This golden crown will crisp and bubble beautifully in the oven, giving your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole irresistible curb appeal and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Slide the baking pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The casserole should be bubbling and golden around the edges when it’s ready. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing—this helps everything set up for perfectly tidy servings.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped basil on top adds a burst of color and a pop of fresh flavor. For extra zing, try a few grinds of black pepper or a dusting of red pepper flakes—simple touches that elevate your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole from cozy to showstopper.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but shines even brighter alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tart vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or pillowy rolls are always welcome for sopping up those creamy, saucy corners left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Or, scoop it into pretty bowls and top with a ribbon of basil and a shower of extra cheese for restaurant-worthy presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container; it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The rich flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before or after baking for maximum convenience. To freeze, wrap your pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350 degrees F, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. In a pinch, the microwave works well too—just cover the plate with a damp paper towel so your spaghetti stays moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti gives this casserole its signature texture, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Can I swap ground beef for another protein?
Yes, feel free to substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles. Each option brings its own flair and can be seasoned to your taste for a personalized twist on the classic Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forgot to leave your cream cheese out, simply cut it into pieces, place it in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for 15–20 seconds. Stir well and it’ll be perfectly soft and ready to mix with your hot spaghetti.
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is going directly from fridge to oven.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids usually love this casserole! The creamy cheese, flavorful beef, and classic pasta are a hit with picky eaters. If you want a little extra veggie boost, try finely chopping spinach or bell pepper into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about gathering around the table for a bubbling hot Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear fast! Give this recipe a try—you just might find it becoming a beloved favorite in your own kitchen.
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines creamy cream cheese with savory ground beef and spaghetti, all baked to gooey perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
For the 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
For topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cook the spaghetti: Boil spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, and mix with spaghetti sauce.
- Combine spaghetti and cream cheese: Mix cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt until well coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer meat sauce, spaghetti, and remaining meat sauce in a baking dish. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite additions like vegetables or different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, Spaghetti Casserole, Cream Cheese Casserole, Baked Casserole
