Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

 

If you have been searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite, look no further than this delightful Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This dish combines tender spaghetti enveloped in a creamy blend of softened cream cheese and seasonings, layered with savory ground beef in a rich spaghetti sauce, then topped with a melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s the perfect baked pasta dish that offers the ideal balance of creamy, tangy, and hearty flavors to warm your soul and wow your family or guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each chosen to build layers of creamy texture, robust flavor, and satisfying heartiness. These essentials work together to elevate a humble spaghetti dinner into a luscious baked masterpiece.

• 12 ounces spaghetti: Choose quality pasta that holds its shape perfectly after baking for the ideal bite.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory foundation without excess grease.
• 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce: Brings bright tomato flavor seasoned to perfection.
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened: Offers rich creaminess that coats each strand deliciously.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Provides a subtle pungent warmth that wakes up the whole dish.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that adds depth and authenticity.
• 1 pinch garlic salt: Enhances all the other flavors with a savory boost.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty finish with a golden crust when baked.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy perfection for irresistible cheesiness.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. While the oven warms, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil, adding a pinch of salt for seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook it until just tender yet firm when bitten—about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the strands from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the pasta well, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl where it will be combined with the creamy elements.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and crumbly—this usually takes between 5 to 7 minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess fat before stirring in the spaghetti sauce, allowing the meat to soak up that tangy tomato goodness.

Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese with Spaghetti

Once the spaghetti is in the bowl, add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir energetically until the cream cheese melts completely and every strand of spaghetti is luxuriously coated in the creamy mixture. This step creates the luscious base that sets this casserole apart.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread a small layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of your greased baking dish to keep things moist and flavorful. Next, evenly spread the creamy spaghetti on top of that sauce layer, then spoon the remaining meat sauce over the noodles. Finish by sprinkling the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over everything generously—it’s all about that golden cheesy crust at the end.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with a beautiful golden color. This final bake melds all those incredible flavors together into one unforgettable dish.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can also enhance the cheesy experience and add visual appeal to each portion.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines brightly on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia bread is a classic choice that adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a personal touch, perfect for gatherings or special occasions. Guests will love that each serving has its own bubbly, cheesy topping, making it feel a bit more gourmet yet comfortably familiar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prep a batch ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it heats through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven to preserve moisture. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheeses from drying out, then remove the foil in the final minutes to re-melt and brown the topping beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, penne, rigatoni, or other tubular pasta shapes work wonderfully by holding onto the creamy sauce wonderfully well.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to maintain that meaty texture and umami flavor without meat.

Can I make this casserole spicier?

Definitely. Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or choosing a spicy spaghetti sauce will give it a delicious kick without overpowering the comforting creamy notes.

What type of cream cheese should I use?

Use regular full-fat cream cheese softened at room temperature for the best creamy texture. Low-fat versions may alter the consistency slightly, but you can use them if you prefer a lighter dish.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

Look for bubbling sauce around the edges and a nicely melted, golden cheese crust on top. The internal temperature should be hot, about 165 degrees F if checked with a thermometer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole enough—its creamy texture, cozy flavors, and simple preparation make it an instant favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want that homemade comfort on a plate. Once you taste how those classic ingredients come together with a creamy twist, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for effortless, feel-good meals.

 

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