If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, easy to make, and packed with flavor, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s like classic spaghetti but with a rich, creamy twist that takes it to the next level. The combination of savory ground beef, tangy spaghetti sauce, and smooth, melted cream cheese creates a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table.
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you want a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a great option for meal planning. Let’s get started on this delicious recipe!
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the simple ingredients that make this dish so flavorful.
- 12 oz spaghetti – The base of this dish, cooked until perfectly tender.
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce – A good-quality sauce will add depth and richness.
- 1 lb lean ground beef – Adds heartiness and a savory element to the casserole.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Brings out the best flavors in the dish.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – A simple ingredient that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature – The secret to a creamy, luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Sprinkled on top for a golden, cheesy finish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly bubbly and golden on top.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once there’s no pink left, drain any excess grease to prevent the casserole from becoming too oily.
Next, stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, creating a delicious, meaty sauce that will coat the spaghetti beautifully. Set it aside while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente—this means it should be tender but still slightly firm, as it will continue to soften while baking.
Once the spaghetti is done, drain it well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Spaghetti Mixture
Now for the magic ingredient—cream cheese! While the pasta is still warm, add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the bowl of spaghetti. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly. The heat from the pasta helps soften the cream cheese, creating a creamy, rich texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
At this point, your kitchen is already smelling amazing. In the next part, we’ll assemble the casserole and get it into the oven for that perfect, cheesy finish! Stay tuned.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy Perfection
Now that we’ve prepped the pasta and made that deliciously creamy spaghetti mixture, it’s time to bring everything together. This next step is where all the flavors combine to create a rich, cheesy, and satisfying casserole. If you’re a fan of baked pasta dishes, you’re going to love how easy this is to assemble and bake.
Let’s get to it!
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
To ensure the casserole doesn’t stick, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter. This helps everything slide out smoothly when serving.
Next, spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This acts as a flavorful base and prevents the pasta from sticking.
Now, add the creamy spaghetti mixture right on top of the sauce, spreading it out evenly to create a thick, luscious layer. The cream cheese-coated pasta will give this casserole its signature rich texture, making every bite irresistible.
After that, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top, ensuring that the spaghetti is fully covered. Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly so that every portion gets a perfect balance of meat, sauce, and pasta.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
For the finishing touch, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This will melt and form a golden, slightly crispy layer that makes every bite extra delicious.
Want an even cheesier experience? Try adding a mix of Parmesan and shredded mozzarella for a gooey, melty topping.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Now that everything is assembled, place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together while the cheese melts into a perfectly golden layer.
You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is hot and bubbly, with the cheese lightly browned on top. The smell of garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy cheese will fill your kitchen—making it nearly impossible to wait for that first bite.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into it. This gives the layers time to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.
Pair this dish with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal. The crispness of the salad balances the richness of the casserole, and the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: FAQs and Final Thoughts
By now, your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is hot, bubbly, and ready to be served. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. But before you dig in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help you make the most of this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
3. Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
4. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the classic choice, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor. Italian sausage adds a bit of spice and depth to the dish.
5. What Can I Serve with This Casserole?
This dish pairs well with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
- A fresh green salad – Helps balance the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed vegetables – Such as broccoli, green beans, or roasted zucchini.
6. Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
Yes! To lighten up the dish, try using low-fat cream cheese, ground turkey, and whole wheat pasta. You can also add more vegetables, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value.
7. How Can I Add Extra Flavor?
For an extra kick, try adding:
- Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesier, gooier finish.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, herby touch.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s easy to make, reheats beautifully, and is always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a busy day, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home.
If you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Share your thoughts, any variations you made, or your favorite side dishes to pair with it. Enjoy!
PrintBaked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and creamy twist on classic spaghetti. The combination of savory ground beef, flavorful spaghetti sauce, and melted cream cheese makes this dish irresistibly cheesy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
Add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the warm spaghetti. Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Layer the spaghetti mixture over the sauce, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy topping.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
