If you have ever dreamed of combining creamy goodness with comforting pasta, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles enveloped in a luscious cream cheese mixture, layered generously with savory meat sauce, and topped with ooey-gooey melted cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish takes classic spaghetti to an entirely new level, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you simply want that satisfied “comfort food” feeling wrapped in a single, easy-to-serve casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this casserole. Each element plays a vital role — from the tender pasta base to the rich, creamy cheese blend, and the hearty, flavorful meat sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Using regular spaghetti allows for a familiar texture that holds up well when baked.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds savory protein and hearty flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 28 oz jar spaghetti sauce: A good-quality sauce is key for rich tomato goodness.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth that brightens every bite.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the dish with classic Mediterranean notes.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of creaminess that makes this casserole irresistibly luscious.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish and helps with browning on top.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the casserole that classic stretchy cheese appeal.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Offers a pop of fresh green color and mild herbal brightness.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. This setup ensures your casserole bakes evenly and develops a beautiful crust on top.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil salted water and cook your spaghetti for about 12 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook — you want the noodles to hold their shape when mixed and baked. Once done, drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain off excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy, then stir in the spaghetti sauce evenly, letting everything simmer just long enough for flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked spaghetti with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. This creates a rich, flavorful, and creamy coating that’s the hallmark of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Layer half of the meat sauce in your prepared baking dish, then spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly over it. Follow this with the remaining sauce, making sure to cover all the noodles. Sprinkle the Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses on top for that irresistible golden, melted finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Look for it to bubble invitingly around the edges and for the cheese to turn a gorgeous golden brown. This final step transforms the casserole into a comforting masterpiece ready to delight your taste buds.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top just before serving adds a burst of vibrant color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and meat beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The freshness of veggies offers a perfect contrast to the creamy, hearty spaghetti bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins to impress guests. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to punch up the flavor uniquely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors without rushing.
Freezing
The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire casserole or portioned servings well to protect against freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. This makes it a lifesaver for busy days when you want homemade comfort food fast.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly again. You can add a little extra cheese on top for that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional for this recipe, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just keep cooking times in mind to ensure the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative to keep all the flavors while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake it as directed. This is perfect for dinner parties or busy weeknights.
What’s the best type of cream cheese to use?
Use regular full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature. It melts smoothly and creates that creamy texture that defines this recipe. Avoid low-fat versions as they won’t give the same richness.
Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?
For sure! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can be stirred into the meat sauce or cream cheese mixture to add freshness, nutrition, and extra color.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its creamy layers, savory richness, and comforting pasta, it’s a guaranteed winner whether made for family dinners or special occasions. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals that you’ll be excited to share again and again.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Italian
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender spaghetti mixed with creamy softened cream cheese, savory ground beef, rich spaghetti sauce, and a delightful blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 28 oz jar spaghetti sauce
Cheese & Seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti for about 12 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the jarred spaghetti sauce to combine.
- Mix Creamy Spaghetti: In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Mix well until the spaghetti is evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: In the greased baking pan, spread a layer of meat sauce first, then add the creamy spaghetti mixture on top. Spread the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti, then sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while browning.
- Make sure to fully drain the spaghetti to avoid a watery casserole.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast and fresh herbal note when garnished on top.
