This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is everything comfort food should be—warm, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With its dreamy layers of tangy cream cheese, tender spaghetti, savory beef sauce, and bubbling cheese on top, it effortlessly transforms simple pantry staples into a crave-worthy main dish. This hearty casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a little extra comfort in your life. Get ready to make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole your new go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something spectacular. Each one plays a starring role in making the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole rich, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The backbone of this casserole, making it hearty and satisfying.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Adds richness and that meaty goodness we all crave in a baked pasta.
- Spaghetti sauce (28 oz jar): Brings acidity, robust tomato flavor, and ties everything together; pick your favorite variety!
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The ultimate ingredient for creamy, dreamy texture—make sure it’s soft for easy mixing.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Fresh, aromatic, and bright, garlic wakes up all the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): This fragrant blend gives your casserole that signature pizzeria flair.
- Garlic salt (a pinch): Layers in a hint of extra flavor and punch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sharp and salty, Parmesan adds a golden finish and depth of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): For that gooey, stretchy, perfectly melted topping we all love.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by cranking your oven up to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Give your trusty 9×13-inch baking pan a quick spray or a light swipe of oil so nothing sticks—and you’ll be rewarded with easy serving and cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the spaghetti and cook it until it’s just al dente, about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally, and test a noodle toward the end for that perfect bite—remember, it’ll cook a bit more in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Beefy Meat Sauce
While the pasta is bubbling away, heat a skillet over medium-high. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s crumbly and fully cooked—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain the fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for a minute to meld those savory flavors.
Step 4: Creamy Spaghetti Magic
Drain your cooked spaghetti and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Right away, while it’s still warm, add in the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir with gusto until the cream cheese melts and clings to every strand, making the mixture velvety and fragrant.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble the Casserole
Spoon a bit of your beefy sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking pan—this keeps things moist and tasty. Next, spread the creamy spaghetti on top in an even layer. Pour over the remaining meat sauce, covering every nook and cranny. Finish with generous sprinkles of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for that signature golden, bubbly crust.
Step 6: Bake it to Perfection
Pop your masterpiece in the oven and bake until it’s hot, bubbly, and irresistibly golden on top—about 30 minutes. When the cheese is melted and the kitchen smells amazing, it’s ready!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Add a final flourish to your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with simple but impactful garnishes. A shower of freshly chopped parsley, basil ribbons, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan instantly makes each slice look (and taste) extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is filling on its own, but a crisp green salad and some warm garlic bread are ideal companions. If you’re feeling fancy, roasted vegetables or steamed green beans add freshness and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try baking in individual ramekins for adorable single servings. Or serve the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in the center of the table, letting everyone dig in family-style for a truly homey vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days without losing any of that creamy goodness.
Freezing
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream! Once cooled, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months—just label it so you remember when you made your treasure.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, cover them loosely with foil and bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For single portions, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly. Add a splash of extra sauce or a sprinkle of cheese to freshen things up!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti provides that classic texture, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if you want to mix things up—the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is very forgiving.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Definitely! Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for heartiness. A meatless marinara also works wonderfully in creating that same satisfying result.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
You bet. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed—add an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Regular or reduced-fat cream cheese both work, but steer clear of fat-free versions for best flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s softened so it mixes well into your pasta.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover for the last 10 to brown the top. Adding a little extra sauce or cheese before reheating leftovers can also help keep things moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dig into a big, cheesy helping of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This cozy dish is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a family night or to share with friends. Be sure to save a little for leftovers—the flavors only get better! Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite.
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
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
- 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°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef in a skillet, then mix in spaghetti sauce.
- Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: Combine cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt.
- Layer and Bake: Spread meat sauce in the pan, top with spaghetti, remaining meat sauce, and cheeses. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
