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If you are on the hunt for a soul-satisfying dish that brings together creamy comfort and classic Italian flavors, then this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine tender spaghetti enveloped in a rich cream cheese mixture, layered lovingly with savory meat sauce, and topped with a golden Parmesan crust – it’s pure joy served in a casserole dish. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a breeze, but every item plays a crucial role in building its decadent layers and delightful textures. From the hearty ground beef to the tangy Parmesan cheese, here’s what you’ll need to make this dish truly shine.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Choose your favorite type, but classic spaghetti works best for layering and soaking up all the flavors.
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce: This adds a rich, savory base that ties the entire casserole together with vibrant tomato goodness.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the hearty protein and meaty texture that makes this once simple pasta feel like a feast.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the spaghetti with herbal warmth and depth.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: A small amount but packs a punch of aromatic flavor to elevate every bite.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: This is the secret star, delivering the creamy richness that makes the casserole irresistibly smooth and comforting.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top to add a lightly salty, nutty crust that perfectly finishes the dish.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this prevents sticking and helps the casserole bake evenly with a beautifully crisp edge.
Step 2: Cook Ground Beef
In a large skillet set over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy, then stir in your prepared spaghetti sauce. This meat sauce will infuse the casserole with robust, hearty flavor.
Step 3: Prepare Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well, then transfer the spaghetti to a large mixing bowl where it will be combined with the creamy components.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese Mixture
While the spaghetti is still warm, add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic directly into the bowl. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese melts completely and coats every strand of pasta in a luscious, creamy mixture—you’ll love how this step transforms simple spaghetti into a rich comfort classic.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Gently layer the creamy spaghetti over the sauce, then pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the pasta. To finish, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese across the surface to add texture and that incredible golden crust after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the Parmesan cheese is melted and lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen will be pure anticipation at this point!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes so it sets slightly for easier scooping. Then dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness of your homemade Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. Each bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the top add a pop of color and an herbal brightness that balances the richness beautifully. A dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving can also amp up the cheesy experience.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creamy layers. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make a fantastic vehicle for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personalized portions. You can also top each serving with sliced olives, roasted veggies, or a drizzle of hot chili oil if you like a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making reheated portions even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully if you want to prepare it in advance. Simply cover the assembled casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers either in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. If the pasta seems dry, a splash of milk or extra sauce will bring back that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, you can substitute rotini, penne, or even rigatoni. Just be mindful that shorter pasta shapes might hold the sauce differently but still taste great.
Is cream cheese necessary, or can I use something else?
The cream cheese is key to creating the signature creamy texture in this casserole. If you want a lighter option, you could try mixing in some ricotta or cottage cheese, but the classic creamy richness will be reduced.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Of course! Simply skip the ground beef and either double the amount of spaghetti sauce or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a satisfying meatless version.
How spicy is this casserole?
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is mild and comforting by nature, but you can always add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the meat sauce if you want to kick up the heat.
Is this recipe freezer friendly after baking?
We recommend freezing it before baking for the best texture and flavor. After baking, the texture may change slightly upon freezing and reheating, so for optimal creaminess, freeze pre-baked.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe combines simple pantry staples into a dish so wonderfully creamy and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Give it a try, and I promise this casserole will carve out a favorite spot in your recipe rotation!
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Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish combining al dente spaghetti with savory ground beef, tangy spaghetti sauce, and rich cream cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden Parmesan cheese topping, this casserole is a deliciously hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cheeses
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish leaner. Stir in the jar of prepared spaghetti sauce and set the meat sauce aside.
- Prepare Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the spaghetti well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: To the bowl with the cooked spaghetti, add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until the cream cheese is melted and evenly coats the spaghetti strands, creating a luscious, creamy mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, add the spaghetti and cream cheese mixture as the second layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the casserole.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the Parmesan topping is lightly golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors with the savory meat sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
