When it comes to easy, cheesy, and downright delicious dinners, a Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a game-changer. It’s that kind of dish you’ll make once, and your family will beg you to add it to the regular rotation. I promise, this recipe is as simple as it is scrumptious—and it’ll fill your home with the most mouthwatering aroma.

Let’s talk about why this casserole deserves a spot at your dinner table. First, it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of eaters. Second, it’s made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. And lastly, it’s so cheesy and creamy that every bite feels like a hug on a plate.

So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this comforting dish!

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Imagine tender spaghetti coated in creamy, garlicky cream cheese, layered with rich meat sauce, and topped with melty Parmesan cheese. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds! This dish combines the nostalgia of a spaghetti dinner with the indulgent charm of a baked casserole. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd.

Now, let’s get started with the recipe. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first—set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or butter. Trust me, you’ll want an even coating to make clean-up a breeze later on.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

This meat sauce is what dreams are made of. Grab a large skillet, and brown 1 pound of lean ground beef over medium heat. If there’s any excess grease, go ahead and drain it (you don’t want a greasy casserole). Once the beef is perfectly browned, stir in a 26-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, filling your kitchen with those classic Italian aromas. Don’t skimp on this step—it’s where all the flavors mingle together.

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Step 3: Cook Your Pasta

While your sauce is bubbling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook it to al dente, following the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. The salt in the water enhances the pasta’s flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 4: The Cream Cheese Magic

Here’s where things get extra special. While the spaghetti is still warm, toss it with 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 clove of minced garlic. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in creamy goodness. This step is the secret to that rich, luxurious texture you’re going to love.

Now that the creamy spaghetti and flavorful meat sauce are ready, it’s time to bring it all together. This is where the magic happens—layering all those delicious components to create a casserole that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat. Let’s dive right into the assembly process!

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

To start assembling your Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, grab your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. This creates a flavorful foundation and prevents the pasta from sticking as it bakes.

Next, gently add the cream cheese-coated spaghetti. Spread it out evenly over the meat sauce layer. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy—those layers will meld together beautifully as it bakes.

Finally, pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. This ensures every bite is packed with rich, saucy goodness. And for the pièce de résistance, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust that’ll make your casserole irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Now that your casserole is beautifully layered, it’s time to bake! Place the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. As the casserole cooks, the cheese will melt, the flavors will combine, and the dish will become piping hot and bubbly.

Pro Tip: If you love a crispy cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, but this step will give you a beautifully golden crust.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once the casserole is done baking, resist the temptation to dive in immediately. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the layers a chance to set, making it easier to serve and ensuring every slice is as neat and satisfying as possible.

Tips and Variations for Your Casserole

• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce. They’ll blend right in while adding flavor and texture.
• Swap the Cheese: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, try using shredded mozzarella or even a mix of Italian cheeses for a gooey, stretchy topping.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle kick.
• Prep Ahead: This casserole is a lifesaver for busy nights. You can assemble it a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine or sparkling water to round out the meal.

You’ve baked a golden, bubbly masterpiece, and the aroma in your kitchen is downright irresistible. But before we wrap things up, let’s address some common questions you might have about this creamy, cheesy, comforting dish. Whether you’re a casserole pro or trying this for the first time, these tips will ensure your dinner is a success!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully in this recipe, you can substitute it with other long pastas like fettuccine or linguine. For a twist, try short pasta like penne or rigatoni—they’ll soak up the sauce and give you a slightly different texture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and warm it for 1–2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative. Pair it with your favorite marinara sauce for a meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.

6. What other cheeses can I use?
While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you can mix it up with shredded mozzarella, provolone, or even sharp cheddar for a cheesy twist. A blend of cheeses will make the casserole even more decadent!

7. Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dish to suit your tastes. Add extra garlic, a pinch of chili flakes, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a boost of flavor.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth Repeating

And there you have it—Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food! From its creamy, garlicky pasta to the rich meat sauce and golden Parmesan topping, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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• Author: David
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Description

A creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that combines the comfort of spaghetti with a rich layer of meat sauce and a touch of tangy cream cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes.

3️⃣ Cook the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4️⃣ Mix with Cream Cheese:

While the spaghetti is still warm, combine it with the softened cream cheese and minced garlic. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated and creamy.

5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Add the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top of the sauce.

Spread the remaining meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

6️⃣ Bake:

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

• Add More Cheese: For extra cheesiness, top with shredded mozzarella in addition to the Parmesan.
• Customize It: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6