If you have a craving for comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It effortlessly transforms everyday ingredients into an irresistible baked pasta dish that boasts creamy, tangy, and cheesy goodness with every forkful. Perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings, this casserole combines tender spaghetti, rich cream cheese, savory ground beef, and melty cheeses baked to golden perfection. The result is a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the spaghetti’s tender bite to the creamy texture of the cream cheese melding with the savory meat sauce.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Choose your favorite brand and make sure it’s cooked al dente for perfect texture in the casserole.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides hearty richness without too much grease—ideal for balancing flavors.
- 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce: A robust, flavorful base that binds all components with its tomatoey goodness.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds a subtle punch of aromatic flavor that brightens the whole dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the casserole its classic Italian-inspired warmth.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): This is the secret weapon for creamy decadence and smooth texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast on top that crisps up while baking.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey layer.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A fresh, bright herb that adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step ensures the casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden crust later on.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil your spaghetti in salted water until it is perfectly al dente, usually around 12 minutes. This texture is key—it should be tender but still firm enough to hold its shape after baking. After draining, set it aside while you prepare the meat sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Add Sauce
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Then, stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce. This rich meat sauce will be layered throughout your casserole for delicious flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated, coating each strand of spaghetti with creamy flavor and subtle seasoning.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
In your prepared baking pan, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom to create a flavorful base. Then add the creamy spaghetti mixture in an even layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top to cover everything, and sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese to create that irresistible cheesy top layer.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the cheese on top turns a beautiful golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the layers settle and it’s easier to cut. Get ready for melting, creamy, cheesy pasta heaven!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful garnish for this casserole. It adds a lovely bright green contrast to the rich dish and brings a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the meal perfectly by soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can also sprinkle additional cheese and herbs just before serving to jazz up the presentation. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add an extra dimension of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Before baking, assemble the whole dish and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the casserole’s creamy texture and melted cheese topping. You can also microwave individual portions but cover loosely to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, you can also use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative to keep it hearty and delicious.
Can I prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the cream cheese, garlic, and seasoning with the pasta ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before assembling. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before layering to help it blend smoothly.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Use full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature for the creamiest texture and richest flavor in your casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top turns a nice golden brown. Typically, this takes about 30 minutes at 350°F.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe that brings comfort and joy in every bite. It’s a simple, hearty dish that satisfies appetites and warms hearts, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you won’t regret inviting this creamy, cheesy casserole to your dinner table!
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole combines al dente spaghetti, rich ground beef with tangy spaghetti sauce, and a creamy blend of cream cheese and Parmesan. Topped with mozzarella and baked to golden perfection, this hearty casserole serves as a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and help evenly bake the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, approximately 12 minutes. Drain completely and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat to reduce grease, then stir in the spaghetti sauce and heat through.
- Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Mix until the cream cheese is evenly incorporated and the spaghetti is well coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce at the bottom of the greased baking pan. Layer the spaghetti and cream cheese mixture evenly over the sauce, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle the Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful presentation.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content in the casserole.
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to easily blend with the spaghetti.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
