The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that effortlessly brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty, savory flavors. Imagine tender spaghetti enveloped in a luscious cream cheese mixture, layered with rich meat sauce, and topped with gratinéed parmesan—all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a twist on traditional spaghetti that feels both familiar and exciting. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to favorites for a cozy meal that’s as flavorful as it is simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe plays a special role, bringing flavor, texture, and that comforting vibe we all crave. The combination is deceptively simple, yet the results are spectacularly satisfying and homey.
- 12- oz spaghetti: The perfect pasta base that soaks up flavors beautifully and delivers comforting bite every time.
- 1 (26-oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce: A delicious, easy shortcut to that rich tomatoey, herb-infused sauce that ties everything together.
- 1- lb lean ground beef: Adds savory depth and heartiness without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the whole casserole with aromatic, balanced flavor notes.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds that subtle punch that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese (room temperature): Gives the spaghetti its signature creamy texture and a slight tang that’s utterly delightful.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated): The golden, bubbly topping that adds a salty, nutty finish and irresistible crust.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Brown the Beef
Start by heating your oven to a warm 350ºF. While the oven is preheating, brown that pound of lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy and then stir in your jar of prepared spaghetti sauce. This meat sauce will be sitting in layers inside your casserole, enriching the dish with savory flavor at every bite.
Step 2: Cook and Coat the Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Cook the spaghetti just as the package directs—al dente is perfect here because it will bake further later. After draining, toss the hot spaghetti in a large bowl along with the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir vigorously so the cream cheese melts smoothly and thoroughly coats every strand. This luscious coating is the heart of the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, ensuring creaminess in every mouthful.
Step 3: Layer Your Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Start by spreading a small dollop of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom—this helps keep the pasta from drying out. Pile in your creamy spaghetti next, spreading it gently and evenly. Finally, spoon the remaining meat sauce over the top, smoothing it out before generously showering the entire dish with grated parmesan cheese. This layering ensures the perfect balance of creaminess, meatiness, and cheesy crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. When it comes out, look for bubbling sauce and a beautifully golden parmesan crust that smells like pure comfort. This final bake melds all the delicious layers into a comforting casserole that you and your loved ones will savor.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of fresh color and a hint of herbal brightness. A few red pepper flakes also bring a subtle kick if you like a little heat. The garnishes add just the right finishing touch to elevate the casserole’s vibrant flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in tangy vinaigrettes or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the rich creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also absolute winners to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins, topped with extra parmesan and broiled briefly for a golden crust. You can also layer fresh mozzarella slices inside the casserole before baking for a surprise cheesy stretch in every serving. Either way, this recipe adapts beautifully for casual dinners or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3-4 days—making for easy, satisfying meals all week long.
Freezing
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just cool completely before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil or placing in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for prepping meals ahead or saving extra portions.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350ºF for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven brings back that fresh-baked texture and melts the cheese just right.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and check the bake so it stays perfectly tender and creamy.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. The cream cheese sauce still provides plenty of rich flavor and texture, making it just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
You sure can. Assemble the casserole completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great dish for busy nights or entertaining guests.
What can I use instead of cream cheese if I don’t have any on hand?
For a similar creamy texture, you can try ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of milk or sour cream. However, cream cheese provides a unique tang and smoothness that make this casserole special, so it’s worth having on hand.
How can I make the casserole less rich?
To lighten it up, use reduced-fat cream cheese and leaner ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase volume without extra heaviness.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a deliciously creamy, hearty dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. It’s simple to make yet feels like a special treat every time. Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how a few humble ingredients transform into such a warm, inviting classic!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Italian
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender spaghetti tossed in a creamy mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning, layered with savory ground beef and rich spaghetti sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection with a Parmesan cheese topping. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner that merges creamy texture with classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cream Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (26-oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
Topping
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the jar of prepared spaghetti sauce with the cooked beef and set the mixture aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and transfer the cooked spaghetti into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Seasoning: While the spaghetti is still warm, add the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese is melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Add the creamy spaghetti over the meat sauce. Top the spaghetti layer with the remaining meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through, and the Parmesan cheese is slightly melted and golden.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother coating.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a vegetarian meat substitute.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt quality.
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers to the ground beef when browning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
