If you are searching for a comforting, delicious dish that brings all the cozy vibes to your table, look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. It combines tender spaghetti, rich cream cheese, savory meat sauce, and a golden Parmesan crust to create an irresistibly creamy, cheesy bake that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and silky, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Each element plays a starring role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and that stunning, golden finish you’ll love.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The star noodle, cooked perfectly al dente to hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce: A hearty, flavorful base that infuses the casserole with rich tomato goodness.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds savory depth and protein without weighing down the dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes that brighten the entire casserole.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Just the right kick to enhance the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: This is the secret to the casserole’s creamy, luscious texture that coats every strand of spaghetti.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top for a golden crust and a punch of salty, nutty flavor.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef and Combine With Sauce
While the oven warms up, brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked and beautifully browned, drain any excess fat and stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce. This rich, meaty mixture will bring tremendous flavor to your casserole.
Step 3: Boil Your Spaghetti Until Al Dente
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain it well and place the noodles into a large mixing bowl to prepare for the creamy element.
Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese and Seasonings Into the Spaghetti
Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the hot pasta. Stir energetically until the cream cheese melts completely, enveloping every strand of spaghetti in a rich, creamy coating that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Begin by spreading a small layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Next, spoon in your creamy spaghetti mixture, then generously cover it with the remaining meat sauce. Finish strong by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, creating a savory crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling hot and the Parmesan cheese has turned a delightful light gold, adding texture and flavor.
Step 7: Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving
After baking, allow your casserole to rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle, making every forkful moist, creamy, and easy to serve. Then dig in and savor the comforting magic of this recipe!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley right before serving. These herbs add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy richness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a lovely sheen and subtle flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is rich and filling enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus provides a refreshing balance. Garlic bread is another classic that perfectly complements the cheesy, meaty casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner, try serving the casserole alongside small ramekins of extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes, letting everyone customize their portions. You can also bake individual servings in small ramekins for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious—if not more so—the next day.
Freezing
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through to keep that lovely baked texture. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, but you might lose some of the crispy Parmesan charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to the pasta’s package directions for al dente texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and substitute the meat sauce with your favorite marinara or vegetable-based sauce. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or chopped veggies for extra heartiness.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version?
Sure! Low-fat cream cheese will work, but keep in mind the casserole may be slightly less creamy. You could add a splash of milk or a little shredded mozzarella to enhance the texture.
Do I need to cook the spaghetti before assembling the casserole?
Yes, cook the pasta al dente before mixing with cream cheese and other ingredients. This ensures it bakes perfectly and absorbs just the right amount of sauce without turning mushy.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese if I don’t have any?
Grated Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar can make excellent alternatives. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile but still add that necessary cheesy, golden topping.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food perfection that’s sure to become a household favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, full of flavor, and unfussy to make—everything you want in a weeknight meal. I promise once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe time and time again. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to a big, warm hug from your oven tonight!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish combining tender spaghetti, savory ground beef simmered in spaghetti sauce, and a creamy mixture of cream cheese and Italian seasonings, all baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers rich flavors and an easy preparation that makes it a hearty crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cheese Mixture and Topping
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. Set this meat sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the spaghetti in the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese melts and evenly coats all the spaghetti strands, creating a creamy base.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and the Parmesan cheese has turned lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly after baking to allow it to set a bit before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- To make this dish ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Use part-skim cream cheese for a lighter version.
- If preferred, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
