Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate answer to a cozy night in, bringing together creamy, cheesy layers of pasta, hearty beef sauce, and a golden, bubbly top that’s irresistible. This dish takes everything you love about classic spaghetti and turns it into a sliceable, shareable casserole that’s always the star of the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to spoil your family on a weeknight, you’ll swoon over every forkful of this flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special. Each ingredient in Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is carefully chosen for its role in building up creamy texture, rich flavor, and gooey, cheesy goodness.

• Spaghetti: This beloved pasta forms the hearty base and soaks up all the creamy sauce.
• Lean ground beef: It brings a savory depth and plenty of satisfying protein to the casserole.
• Spaghetti sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce for convenience and that robust, tomatoey richness.
• Cream cheese: Softened before mixing, cream cheese melts into the noodles for a decadent, velvety coating.
• Garlic (minced): Just a hint infuses everything with fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Italian seasoning: This blend adds a subtle herby lift that captures the spirit of classic Italian comfort food.
• Garlic salt: A small pinch wakes up all the other flavors with just the right touch of savoriness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it gives a salty, nutty note and helps form that irresistible golden crust.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The perfect finishing touch for melting and stretching over every glorious slice.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with a thin layer of oil or nonstick spray, ensuring your casserole won’t stick and every cheesy bit is easy to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook until perfectly al dente, about 12 minutes, stirring now and then so the noodles don’t clump together. You want them tender but still with a bit of bite, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Make the Sauce

While the pasta’s bubbling away, place your skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in the ground beef. Cook, stirring often, until it’s browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in your spaghetti sauce. This combination makes the meaty, flavorful topping that sets Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole apart from basic pasta bakes.

Step 4: Coat the Spaghetti with Creamy Goodness

Drain the cooked spaghetti and transfer it to a large bowl. While it’s still warm, toss in the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the noodles are silky and evenly coated, turning plain pasta into a dreamy, creamy foundation.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread a ladleful of the meaty sauce at the bottom of your greased baking pan—this will keep the pasta from sticking and ensure every bite is saucy. Next, pile in your creamy spaghetti, gently spreading it into an even layer. Spoon on the rest of the beefy tomato sauce, letting it nestle into all the nooks and crannies.

Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake

Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella across the top, then slide the casserole into the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, until you see gorgeous, bubbly edges and a golden cheesy crust. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing—it will hold together beautifully, ready to wow everyone at the table.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few torn basil leaves, or an extra dusting of Parmesan brightens each serving and adds a little color and freshness to the hearty dish. Crushed red pepper flakes can add a playful kick if you like things spicy.

Side Dishes

Pair Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. You can also serve warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to help scoop up all that creamy, cheesy sauce. Light steamed green beans or roasted vegetables round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the casserole into tidy squares for elegant plating, or scoop it rustic-style right from the pan. For gatherings, bake and serve straight from a pretty ceramic dish. For potlucks, portion into muffin tins for individual servings—everyone gets their own mini Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, staying creamy and comforting even after reheating.

Freezing

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or divvy leftovers into freezer-safe portions. It’ll keep for up to three months—just label and date so you won’t forget this treat hiding in your freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 25 minutes for a full pan or less for individual slices. You can also microwave single portions, but add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you can swap in other long noodles like linguine or even short pasta like penne or rotini for a fun twist. Just cook the pasta until al dente before assembling.

What ground meat alternatives work well?

Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use Italian sausage for extra flavor. Vegetarian? Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based alternative for heartiness.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What cheeses work best for the topping?

Mozzarella and Parmesan give a classic, melty, and flavorful finish, but you can mix in fontina, provolone, or even a little cheddar for something different. Feel free to get creative depending on your cheese drawer!

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Make sure your pasta isn’t overcooked before baking, and cover the casserole for the first 15 minutes in the oven, especially if making ahead. If it seems dry when reheating, spoon on a bit of extra sauce before warming.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, cheesy comfort with the satisfaction of baked pasta, you simply have to try Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It’s a recipe that brings families together and always gets rave reviews. Give it a whirl at your next gathering or cozy dinner—you might just discover your new favorite casserole!

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