If you’re searching for a family-friendly dinner that’s destined to become an instant classic, look no further than Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This creamy, bubbly, and utterly comforting meal features layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a luscious blanket of melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a weeknight treat, the harmony of velvety cream cheese with zesty Italian flavors will have everyone coming back for an extra scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is its fuss-free ingredient list. Each item plays a starring role in creating that irresistible combination of creamy, saucy, and cheesy goodness with just the right touch of classic Italian flair.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): Use traditional spaghetti for the best texture, but feel free to swap in any pasta shape you love.
- Lean Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds hearty, savory flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Spaghetti Sauce (28 oz jar): Pick your favorite jarred sauce or homemade marinara for a rich, robust tomato base.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret ingredient—melts into the pasta for unbeatable creaminess and tang.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole casserole with aromatic depth.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Brings together herbs like basil and oregano for classic Italian flavor.
- Garlic Salt (A pinch): Amps up the savory notes; adjust to taste for just the right amount.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty brown crust.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (½ cup): Melts into gooey perfection, creating those irresistible cheesy strands.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and give a 9×13-inch baking pan a light coating of grease. Prepping ahead like this ensures your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole slides out easily and bakes up with those coveted golden edges.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s just al dente, roughly 12 minutes. You want the noodles slightly firm because they’ll finish cooking in the oven, soaking up those fabulous flavors.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
While the pasta is bubbling away, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and crumbly—about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain away any excess fat for a lighter dish, then stir in your spaghetti sauce. Let everything simmer for a moment to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta with Creamy Goodness
Drain the cooked spaghetti well and transfer it to a large bowl. While the pasta’s still warm, add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese melts and everything is coated in a silky, herby blend. If you love extra garlic flavor or a herby kick, this is the perfect moment to add more to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon a little bit of the meat sauce into your prepared baking pan to create a saucy foundation. Next, tumble in the cream cheese-coated spaghetti, spreading it evenly. Pour the remaining meat sauce all over the top, making sure every strand gets bathed in savory goodness. Finish with a generous shower of Parmesan and shredded mozzarella for that classic cheesy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole uncovered into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and the aroma draws everyone into the kitchen. Pull it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes—this helps the layers set for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
When it comes to dishing up Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh, vibrant touch. A dusting of extra Parmesan or a few twists of cracked black pepper can also elevate each serving, making it feel both homey and a little bit fancy.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in a light vinaigrette—think arugula or mixed baby greens. A loaf of warm, crusty garlic bread or buttery rolls makes the meal even more comforting, perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or serve it family-style straight from the baking dish for cozy vibes. Leftovers can be stuffed into hollowed-out bell peppers or baked potatoes for a fun twist later in the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays delicious for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or another family dinner later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead, assemble the unbaked casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to reach that bubbly, piping-hot finish.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish or cover the whole pan with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. For best results, add a splash of milk or extra sauce before reheating to keep everything moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, feel free to substitute with penne, rigatoni, or shells. They’ll hold up well and soak up all that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that’s just as hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, substitute with a mixture of ricotta and a splash of sour cream to achieve a similar creamy texture and tang.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
To keep Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole moist, be sure not to overcook it in the oven, and consider covering loosely with foil for most of the baking time if you’re worried about dryness. A bit of extra sauce on top also helps!
Final Thoughts
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a proven favorite for good reason—it’s hearty, creamy, and pure comfort in every bite. If you’re searching for a dish that combines weeknight simplicity with just a hint of indulgence, this recipe truly delivers. Invite your family or friends to the table and watch how quickly this crowd-pleaser becomes a regular in your dinner rotation!
PrintBaked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty comfort dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With layers of flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- A pinch of garlic salt
Cheese Topping:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil water and cook spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef, drain fat, and mix in spaghetti sauce.
- Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: Combine cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer meat sauce, spaghetti, and top with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
