If you are searching for a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dinner, look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender spaghetti, rich cream cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and a crispy Parmesan topping to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Each forkful bursts with creamy goodness and hearty spice, making it a perfect meal to share with family or friends any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a vital role in building the rich, smooth flavor and wonderful texture of the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. From the al dente spaghetti providing a perfect base to the melty cream cheese that transforms the sauce into a luscious blanket, every element is essential.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The backbone of this casserole, cooked just right to hold the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce: Adds classic tomatoey flavor and spices that balance the creaminess.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Brings heartiness and a savory depth that complements the rich cheese.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with aromatic herbs that brighten the overall taste.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Offers a little punch of warmth and sharpness to awaken the palate.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that turns this classic spaghetti into a velvety, indulgent casserole.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top for a golden, nutty crust that adds texture and flavor contrast.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures the casserole won’t stick and allows for easy serving later on. Having the oven ready from the beginning means a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Combine with Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy. Stir the prepared spaghetti sauce into the beef and set the mixture aside. This savory meat sauce is what gives the casserole its hearty, comforting punch.
Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti to Perfection
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente—meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl, which will become the stage for blending flavors and creamy textures later on.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti with Cream Cheese, Herbs, and Garlic
Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the bowl with spaghetti. Stir enthusiastically until the cream cheese melts fully and coats every strand of pasta. This step transforms the spaghetti into a luxuriously creamy base that sets this casserole apart from your typical baked pasta.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Spread a little bit of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking and introduce that delicious beefiness right away. Next, layer in the creamy spaghetti mixture, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the top. Finish by evenly sprinkling the Parmesan cheese to set the stage for a flavorful, golden crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce bubbles gently around the edges and the Parmesan cheese has turned a tempting golden brown. This final baking melds all the flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before digging in. This resting period helps the layers set up so you can serve generous, neat portions. Then enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every hearty bite!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top add a burst of color and brightness that elevates the rich casserole. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or a drizzle of good olive oil for added depth.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette partners perfectly, cutting through the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls offer comforting starch to round out the meal, making it wonderfully satisfying and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in mini ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. Or layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese before baking. These ideas make this humble dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more after resting, so the next day tastes just as good if not better!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, to regain that fresh-from-oven texture. Microwaving works too but may result in a softer topping. Adding a little sprinkle of extra Parmesan before reheating can restore that crispy finish.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, chopped veggies, or a plant-based protein to keep the casserole hearty and delicious.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese yields the creamiest texture. Low-fat versions tend to be less smooth and flavorful, but you can use them if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried spaghetti?
Yes, fresh pasta works well but adjusts the cooking time since it cooks faster and can be more delicate. Be gentle when mixing to keep the strands intact.
Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch dishes. Keep baking times similar, but check for bubbling and golden cheese to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I add for extra cheesiness?
Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone with the cream cheese-spaghetti mixture before baking for gooey, melty layers. A blend of cheeses makes the casserole even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that turns simple pantry staples into a luscious, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or need a reliable dinner that delivers big on flavor, this casserole fits the bill perfectly. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy twist on a classic spaghetti dish. Featuring a blend of tender spaghetti noodles coated in melted cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic, layered with rich meat sauce made from lean ground beef and prepared spaghetti sauce, then topped with Parmesan cheese and baked to bubbly golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it delivers hearty flavors and creamy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Creamy Layer and Topping
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook and Season Ground Beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until it is fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat for a leaner casserole, then stir in the jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti. In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasoning. Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the bowl with the cooked spaghetti. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the cream cheese is fully melted and evenly coats the noodles, creating a creamy texture.
- Assemble the Casserole. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly over the sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti layer, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top to create a flavorful crust.
- Bake the Casserole. Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the Parmesan cheese on top is lightly golden and melted.
- Cool and Serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content, or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed vegetables.
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Softening the cream cheese before mixing helps it incorporate smoothly with the pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
