Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

When you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that the whole family can rally around, look no further than Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This dish is creamy, cheesy, bubbling with flavor, and effortless to pull together, making it a weeknight hero and potluck favorite. Layers of perfectly seasoned beef, dreamy cream cheese-coated spaghetti, and melty mozzarella come together in every glorious bite. If you haven’t yet tried this casserole, you’re missing out on a feel-good classic that’s pure cozy indulgence with just the right touch of nostalgia!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole lies in its delightfully simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in creating the hearty texture, savory flavor, and appealing golden finish that set this casserole apart from standard pasta bakes.

• Spaghetti (12 oz): The sturdy base for the casserole, perfect for holding all the creamy goodness without getting mushy.
• Lean ground beef (1 lb): Adds savory richness and satisfying protein for a filling meal.
• Spaghetti sauce (1 28 oz jar): Brings tang, sweetness, and vibrant color while binding everything together.
• Cream cheese (1 8 oz package, softened): The secret weapon for a luscious, velvety texture that transforms classic spaghetti.
• Garlic (1 clove, minced): Offers sharp, aromatic depth to every bite.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Provides herbal warmth and those unmistakable “pizza night” vibes.
• Garlic salt (a pinch): Punches up the flavor and ensures the casserole is well seasoned throughout.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): For that nutty, salty, golden crust on top.
• Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Melts into gooey, stringy bliss, making each forkful irresistible.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or a bit of butter. This keeps every slice easy to serve, and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s just al dente—about 12 minutes. This slight firmness ensures the pasta holds up perfectly while baking.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Simmer the Sauce

While the pasta cooks, warm up a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon, and cook until well-browned and crumbly (about 5 to 7 minutes). Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it all simmer together briefly so the flavors can mingle.

Step 4: Mix the Cream Cheese Pasta

Drain your cooked spaghetti, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. While it’s still warm, add in the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and each strand is luxuriously coated.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Spoon a small amount of the meat sauce onto the bottom of your greased baking pan. Layer all of your creamy spaghetti over that, then pour the rest of the meat sauce across the top. Finish with an even sprinkle of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese for that tempting golden crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Slide the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and everything is bubbling at the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so each slice holds together—and enjoy that incredible aroma!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

A little fresh green goes a long way! Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top right before serving for color and brightness. You can also add a bit of extra grated Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with crisp garlic bread, a simple green salad tossed in Italian dressing, or roasted vegetables—anything that adds contrast and brings out the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch, or let your guests scoop their own hearty servings family-style. For a fun twist, try layering roasted vegetables between the pasta and sauce, or serve with a topping bar featuring olives, sautéed mushrooms, or chili flakes so everyone can customize their slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days—just transfer cooled portions to an airtight container, and you’ll have delicious reheatable meals on hand for busy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze a whole unbaked or baked casserole, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before stashing in the freezer. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. For best results, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through (about 20–30 minutes if reheating a whole casserole). For single portions, you can use the microwave—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use other long noodles like linguine or fettuccine, or even short shapes like penne—just be sure to cook them al dente so the casserole keeps its great texture.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is very make-ahead friendly. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s chilled.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to set your cream cheese out ahead, unwrap it and microwave for 10–20 seconds at a time until just soft—be careful not to melt it completely! This helps it blend smoothly with the hot spaghetti.

Can I add vegetables or swap out the meat?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach all work beautifully in this casserole. For a vegetarian version, leave out the beef or substitute with cooked lentils or veggie crumbles.

Is Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s rich, cheesy, and familiar, so it’s loved by kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to serve up a cozy family meal that pleases even picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bubbling, golden pan of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole waiting on your dinner table. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s just as welcome at a special gathering as on a cozy weeknight—and trust me, one bite will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and make it your new comfort food favorite!

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