Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If there’s one dish destined to win rave reviews at every dinner table, it’s Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole takes everyone’s favorite pasta and transforms it into an irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Imagine tender spaghetti ribbons bathed in luscious cream cheese, tangy marinara, savory beef, and crowned with golden, bubbly cheese—it’s the definition of comfort food magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is how each ingredient plays a crucial (and delicious!) role. From the robust beef to the melt-in-your-mouth cheese, these simple pantry staples join forces for a casserole that’s pure weeknight gold.

• Spaghetti: The backbone of the dish, perfectly tender noodles create the heart and soul of this casserole.
• Lean ground beef: Adds a savory, meaty layer that makes the casserole satisfying and filling.
• Spaghetti sauce (28 oz jar): Brings rich tomato flavor and moisture—go for your favorite, homemade or store-bought, for a personal touch.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The not-so-secret ingredient for ultra-creamy texture and subtle tang.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Fresh, aromatic garlic sharpens every bite with inviting flavor.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A classic herby blend that instantly elevates the spaghetti, giving it that “just like Nonna’s” taste.
• Garlic salt (pinch): A tiny but mighty flavor burst—don’t skip it!
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): For a nutty, salty bite that adds depth to the cheesy topping.
• Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness for the ultimate casserole topping.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. Getting your oven ready means your casserole will bake up bubbly and golden without sticking, making cleanup (almost) as effortless as the cooking.

Step 2: Boil the Spaghetti

Fill a large pot with water, add a sprinkle of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook, giving it a gentle stir every so often so the noodles don’t stick. You want them just al dente (tender but still with a slight bite), which takes about 12 minutes—so they hold up beautifully in the casserole.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned—about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. The warm sauce will soak up all those beefy bits and transform into a savory, mouthwatering layer.

Step 4: Creamy Spaghetti Magic

Drain the cooked spaghetti and pop it in a large bowl. Now, here’s the magic: add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir it all together while the spaghetti’s still hot—the cream cheese melts right in, clinging to the noodles in a dreamy, velvety coating that’s pure comfort.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon a bit of the meat sauce right into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer on the creamy spaghetti mixture, spreading it out evenly. Pour the remaining beefy tomato sauce over the top, making sure every noodle gets a little love.

Step 6: Cheese, Please!

Generously sprinkle both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the casserole. These two work together to ensure you get both a crispy, golden top and that classic cheese pull in every serving. If you love extra cheese, don’t be afraid to add a little more!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The cheese will melt into a gorgeous bubbly layer, and the casserole will be piping hot and ready to steal the spotlight at your table. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be easier to cut and even more delicious.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A touch of extra grated Parmesan or a splash of red pepper flakes never hurts for that final flavor boost.

Side Dishes

This casserole loves a crunchy side salad (think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette) or garlicky breadsticks for scooping up every last bite of sauce. Roasted garlic broccoli or sautéed green beans are beautiful, veggie-packed choices, too.

Creative Ways to Present

You can plate the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties, or slice it into squares like lasagna for a fun twist. For potlucks, serve straight from the baking dish—it always impresses, no matter how you present it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 4 days and is just as delicious reheated for lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze before baking, just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the bake time straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in a 350-degree oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you can swap it for linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne if that’s what you have on hand.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, try using an equal amount of ricotta or mascarpone for a different yet delicious creamy texture—though the flavor will change a bit.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the ground beef and sauté some mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty, plant-based Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole that everyone will love.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake, and always cover the casserole with foil if reheating. Since the sauce and cream cheese provide moisture, the casserole should stay delightfully creamy.

Can I add other veggies or proteins?

Of course! Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or olives, or swap the beef for turkey or sausage to customize your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the kind of recipe you’ll want to bookmark for those cozy, comfort-food cravings or family gatherings when only the most satisfying dish will do. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation—it’s that good!

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