Creamy Dreamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Creamy comfort beckons with this delectable baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

Pasta lovers will swoon over each cheesy, decadent bite packed with incredible flavor.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious texture that wraps around tender spaghetti strands like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely look this mouthwatering and satisfying.

Unexpected ingredients blend harmoniously to create a dish that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

You can easily master this crowd-pleasing meal with minimal preparation effort.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of rich, tangy cream cheese and savory seasonings that make you crave another helping.

Save & Serve This Casserole Again

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the dish is steaming hot.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Dishes to Serve Alongside Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavor profile of the casserole. The wine's acidity cuts through the creamy cream cheese and enhances the tomato sauce's tanginess.
• Create Crisp Green Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness. Fresh herbs and a tangy dressing will refresh the palate between bites of the hearty casserole.
• Serve Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic butter to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast. The bread's buttery, garlicky notes will harmonize perfectly with the spaghetti's Italian seasoning.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and herbs. These caramelized vegetables will add nutritional balance and a vibrant side to the rich, cheesy main dish.

Spaghetti Casserole Flavor Takes

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta noodles, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this hearty casserole.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meatless version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Option: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that's equally delicious.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just ensure you brown the meat thoroughly and drain excess fat.

• How can I make this dish more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top before baking. You can also mix some hot sauce into the cream cheese coating for an extra kick.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

What You’ll Love About This Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this casserole transforms ordinary spaghetti into an exciting, satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the dish in advance and refrigerate until you're ready to bake, making it an ideal option for meal planning and stress-free entertaining.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Uses common ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, eliminating the need for special shopping trips or complicated recipe requirements.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean meat for a hearty protein base.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy ingredient for rich texture.

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta for the casserole base.

• Spaghetti Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce for flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend for traditional Italian taste.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese for final garnish.

Cooking Instructions for the Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook ground beef until it’s completely browned and no pink remains.

Carefully drain excess fat from the pan.

Stir in spaghetti sauce, mixing thoroughly.

Set the meaty sauce aside for later.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain the pasta completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Create Creamy Pasta Base

• Cream cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Minced garlic

Stir the ingredients vigorously until cream cheese melts completely and coats every strand of pasta evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom of the dish.

Carefully spread the creamy pasta mixture over the sauce.

Top with remaining meat sauce, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle a generous layer of parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Slice into hearty portions and savor the creamy, meaty goodness.

Handy Hints for Casserole Success

• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing, creating a smoother and more evenly distributed sauce throughout the spaghetti.
• Spread a thin meat sauce layer first to prevent sticking and add extra flavor to the bottom of the casserole.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes to personalize the dish and enhance its taste.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prep.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort shines in this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, blending rich Italian flavors with hearty pasta. Melted cheese and tender noodles create a delightful dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
• 1 (26 ounces / 737 grams) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) package cream cheese, room temperature

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, thoroughly cook ground beef, ensuring no pink remains. Drain excess fat completely.
3. Mix the cooked beef with spaghetti sauce, creating a rich meat mixture.
4. Cook spaghetti in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain completely.
5. Transfer hot spaghetti to a mixing bowl and immediately add softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
6. Vigorously stir the spaghetti until cream cheese melts evenly, coating each strand uniformly.
7. Pour a thin layer of meat sauce along the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Carefully spread the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce layer.
9. Cover the spaghetti completely with remaining meat sauce, ensuring full coverage.
10. Generously sprinkle parmesan cheese across the top of the casserole.
11. Place in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and cheese is lightly golden.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• Prep ahead by browning beef and cooking spaghetti earlier in the day to reduce stress during dinner time.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Enhance cream cheese mixture by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor and brightness.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and whole wheat spaghetti to create a healthier alternative without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg