The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty spaghetti in one unforgettable dish. Imagine tender strands of spaghetti enveloped in a rich, tangy cream cheese mixture, layered with savory ground beef and marinara sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese crust. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as cozy leftovers. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe shine. Each component is key: from the al dente spaghetti that forms the foundation, to the luscious cream cheese that adds richness, and the perfectly seasoned meat sauce that delivers robust flavor. These straightforward ingredients come together in harmony, promising both comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Use regular spaghetti, cooking it just until al dente for perfect texture in the casserole.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides savory depth without overwhelming the dish with fat.
- 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce: A flavorful base that ties the meat and pasta together beautifully.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Adds a subtle aromatic bite that complements the cream cheese mixture.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings an herby, Mediterranean flair to the casserole’s flavor profile.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the recipe, introducing that creamy, tangy richness that makes this casserole irresistible.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty note and a lovely golden crust when baked.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create the dish’s signature gooey, cheesy top layer.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A simple touch of bright green freshness to finish the dish with color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for perfectly baked goodness. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly — this ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps develop that beautiful golden crust we’re all aiming for.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until it’s just al dente, about 12 minutes. The pasta should be tender but still with a bite—a crucial texture for the final casserole. Drain it well and set aside so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Brown it for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, then stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce, letting all those flavors meld together for a rich, saucy meat mixture.
Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese Spaghetti
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 until the cream cheese coats every strand of spaghetti evenly, creating a luscious, creamy base that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Next, add the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly over it. Pour the remaining meat sauce on top for a meaty, saucy finish. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses generously over the entire surface to create that heavenly cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden, and the edges are slightly crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow everything to set beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley on top right before serving brings a burst of color and a touch of freshness that perfectly contrasts the rich, creamy casserole. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make excellent, simple sides that add texture and nutrients to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprig of parsley or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Alternatively, offer a side of warmed garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce, turning each bite into a comforting delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe later, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping tightly to preserve freshness and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, usually around 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times so your pasta stays perfectly al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach sautéed with garlic. You can also use plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a fantastic option for busy days or meal prepping.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, ricotta or mascarpone are great substitutes that provide creaminess, though the tang will be milder. You can even blend cream cheese with sour cream for a slightly different texture and taste.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out during baking?
Ensure you use enough sauce to keep everything moist, and don’t overbake. Cover the casserole loosely with foil the first 20 minutes if you notice it browning too quickly, then uncover to finish baking and develop that golden top.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like home in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve guests. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover just how wonderfully comforting and delicious this casserole can be. Once you taste that creamy, cheesy, meaty goodness baked to perfection, it might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
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 is a comforting and delicious Italian-American dish featuring tender spaghetti mixed with creamy cheese and rich meat sauce, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines simple ingredients like ground beef, cream cheese, and mozzarella into a hearty, cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and irresistibly flavorful.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 jar (28 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat to keep the dish leaner, then stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Mix Spaghetti and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, mixing in thoroughly along with garlic and Italian seasoning until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a small layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Add the spaghetti and cream cheese mixture on top, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti. Evenly sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use any spaghetti sauce brand you prefer or homemade sauce for a more personalized flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to mix smoothly with the spaghetti.
- For added flavor, sauté the garlic with the ground beef before adding the sauce.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake covered with foil and then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
