Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Get ready for a seriously comforting, crowd-pleasing experience—Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole delivers all the cozy, cheesy goodness you crave in a weeknight dinner. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti twirled in creamy, tangy cream cheese, bathed in a hearty homemade meat sauce, all baked under a bubbly golden cap of mozzarella and Parmesan. With every bite, the familiar flavors of your favorite pasta get a luscious upgrade, thanks to that secret layer of cream cheese. This dish isn’t complicated, but it tastes like something extra special you’d serve to the people you love most. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or for yourself (hello, leftovers!), this is one recipe you’ll make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole has a deliciously important role, and you don’t need anything fancy—just simple staples you might already have in your kitchen. Each item brings a layer of flavor, creaminess, or irresistible cheesiness.

• Spaghetti noodles: Classic pasta is the backbone of the casserole, providing that delightful twirl and structure we all love.
• Cream cheese: This is your secret ingredient for an ultra-rich, creamy layer that makes the dish unforgettable—soften it for easy mixing.
• Lean ground beef: Adds a savory, meaty depth and satisfying protein; feel free to swap for turkey or plant-based meat if preferred.
• Spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, tomato-forward base—choose a brand or homemade version you love, since the flavor shines through.
• Garlic (minced): A fresh clove adds an aromatic kick to the sauce that makes everything taste brighter.
• Italian seasoning: Gives the casserole those classic, herby notes and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, bubbling perfection on top—don’t skimp on this if you want the ultimate cheese pull!
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty punch that complements both the sauce and the cream cheese layer.
• Fresh parsley: A vibrant garnish that adds color and a fresh, herbal finish before serving.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Cook Your Spaghetti to Perfect Al Dente

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your spaghetti noodles. Cook them just until al dente, following the package instructions—remember, they’ll cook a bit more in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Drain well, and you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Prepare the Savory Meat Sauce

Grab a roomy skillet, and brown your lean ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until wonderfully fragrant. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and give it a good stir. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle and the sauce thickens just slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Magic

While the sauce simmers, toss your drained hot spaghetti into a big mixing bowl, then add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of garlic salt or powder. Stir thoroughly—use tongs, two forks, or even your hands if you like—until every noodle is luxuriously coated. This step sets Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole apart from any ordinary pasta bake!

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Now for the fun assembly: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom. Add your gorgeous, cream-cheese-coated spaghetti as an even layer over the sauce. Top it with the rest of the savory meat sauce, making sure every noodle is cozily covered. Scatter mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top for that ideal melty crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide the whole casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know it’s ready when the top is perfectly melted. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so it slices neatly.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

The simplest finishing touch is a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving—this brightens up the dish and adds a pop of green. If you want to get a little fancy, try extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a classic Caesar. Add garlicky breadsticks or a warm, crusty baguette for mopping up every bit of savory sauce. A side of roasted veggies or sautéed greens can round out the meal for extra color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

This casserole is charming on a weeknight dinner table straight from the baking dish, but if you’re hosting guests, portion it into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls for a fun, personalized twist. For potlucks, keep it casual by serving family-style with a big serving spoon; the creamy layers will steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Cool any extra portions completely, then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to four days—perfect for easy lunches or a second round of comfort food!

Freezing

If you want to make this recipe ahead or you find yourself with more than you can eat, it freezes very well. Assemble the casserole fully, let it cool, and wrap it tightly (foil is your friend here). It’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked flavor, reheat individual portions in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out), or warm larger portions in the oven at 325°F covered loosely with foil. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese if you like—the top will get bubbly again and taste as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While classic spaghetti works beautifully, you can easily swap in linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—any sturdy pasta will soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce just as deliciously.

What proteins can I substitute for the ground beef?

Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer. The flavors of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole work with just about any protein you love.

How do I keep the cream cheese from clumping?

The secret is to make sure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing, and to combine it with hot, drained pasta. The residual heat will help it melt smoothly, coating every strand without lumps.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Allow it to sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual; you may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Does this recipe work for feeding a crowd?

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a fantastic choice for a big group. You can easily double the recipe and use two casserole dishes. It’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings since it travels and reheats wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like digging into the creamy, bubbly layers of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole and sharing it with people you love. If you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal that feels both familiar and just a little bit extra, this is the one to try. Chances are, it’ll make its way onto your regular dinner rotation and become a much-requested favorite in your house!

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