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

Scale

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

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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.