If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that nothing beats a hearty, cheesy casserole after a long day. And let me tell you, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its absolute finest. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with so much flavor that you’ll be counting down the minutes until it comes out of the oven.
I actually stumbled across this idea one night when I had leftover spaghetti, some cream cheese in the fridge, and a serious craving for something cozy. Instead of the usual spaghetti and meat sauce routine, I decided to mix things up — and wow, am I glad I did! The cream cheese melts into the noodles like magic, creating this rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Top it off with a layer of savory meat sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan, bake it until bubbly, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’ll have the whole family running to the table.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a casual potluck, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this recipe is guaranteed to be a winner. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that’s even better the next day. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this easy baked spaghetti casserole:
12 oz spaghetti
1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Simple ingredients, big flavor. That’s exactly the kind of recipe we all need in our back pockets, right?
STEPS TO MAKE BAKED CREAM CHEESE SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot so the casserole bakes up bubbly and golden.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked. Be sure to drain off any excess fat so your casserole doesn’t end up greasy. Stir in your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce and let it simmer together for a few minutes. Once it’s combined and delicious, set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the spaghetti
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Make sure it’s al dente — you don’t want it mushy since it’ll continue to cook a bit in the oven. Drain it well and then transfer the hot noodles to a large bowl.
Step 4: Mix in the cream cheese
This part is where the magic happens! While the spaghetti is still hot, add in the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts into the noodles, creating a creamy coating. It might look a little messy at first, but trust the process — it all comes together beautifully.
Step 5: Layer it up
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small spoonful of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish — just enough to keep the noodles from sticking. Next, spoon the creamy spaghetti mixture over the sauce, spreading it out evenly. Then, pour the rest of the meat sauce over the top and finish it off with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan
BAKED CREAM CHEESE SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE (CONTINUED)
Now that we’ve got our casserole all layered up and ready to go, it’s time to bring everything together with a good bake in the oven. This final step really seals the deal — melting all those flavors into one glorious, cheesy masterpiece. Plus, your kitchen is about to smell absolutely amazing, so get ready!
STEPS TO FINISH BAKING YOUR CASSEROLE
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Pop your prepared casserole into the preheated 350°F oven. Bake it uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbly around the edges, and the top is lightly golden. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that irresistible golden color and can smell all that cheesy, saucy goodness wafting through your kitchen.
Step 7: Let it rest
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately (I know, it’s hard!). Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives it time to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve — plus, you won’t burn your mouth on molten cheese.
TIPS FOR THE BEST BAKED CREAM CHEESE SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
I’ve made this recipe a few different ways over the years, and here are a few little tricks that make a big difference:
Use room temperature cream cheese
Make sure your cream cheese is soft and at room temperature before mixing it with the spaghetti. If it’s too cold, it won’t melt evenly and you’ll end up with lumps instead of that dreamy creamy texture.
Add a splash of milk
If your spaghetti seems a little dry when you’re mixing in the cream cheese, add a splash of milk to loosen things up. It helps everything blend together perfectly and gives the casserole an extra luscious texture.
Cheese it up
Want to take things to the next level? Add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top along with the parmesan before baking. It’ll melt into a gooey, cheesy topping that’s just impossible to resist.
Customize your sauce
Feel free to get creative with the meat sauce! Sometimes I like to add diced onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms when browning the beef. It’s an easy way to sneak in some extra veggies and flavor without adding much effort.
Make it ahead of time
This casserole is super make-ahead friendly. You can assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When it comes to serving this baked spaghetti casserole, you really can’t go wrong. It’s hearty enough to be the star of the meal all on its own, but if you want to round things out, here are a few ideas:
Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a warm, buttery piece of garlic bread on the side.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Veggies: A tray of roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots would be a colorful and tasty addition.
Honestly, even just a big scoop of this casserole on your plate is enough to make you feel completely satisfied.
BAKED CREAM CHEESE SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE (FAQ + CONCLUSION)
We’re almost at the finish line, but before we wrap things up, let’s go over a few of the most common questions people have about making this baked spaghetti casserole. Whether you’re making it for the first time or tweaking it to suit your family’s tastes, these tips should help you out!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti works great, you can swap in other types like linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well during baking.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can easily use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Italian sausage adds a nice little kick if you like a bit more spice in your casserole.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Simple — just leave out the meat and use a hearty marinara sauce or add some sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce. It’ll still be rich, filling, and full of flavor.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
It sure is! You can either freeze the casserole before baking (just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap) or after baking. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The easiest way is to pop a portion into the microwave, covering it loosely with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. If you’re reheating a larger amount, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Of course! I highly recommend it if you’re a cheese lover. Mozzarella, cheddar, or even provolone would all be delicious melted over the top of the casserole.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers should stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. And honestly, the flavors just keep getting better as it sits.
CONCLUSION: WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There’s just something so comforting about a dish like this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It’s cozy, hearty, and packed with flavors that everyone at the table can agree on. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s incredibly forgiving — you can tweak it based on what you have in your pantry or what your family loves most.
The creamy layer of noodles mixed with the savory meat sauce and topped with melted parmesan is just pure comfort on a plate. Add a side of garlic bread and a simple salad, and you’ve got a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
If you try this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear what you think. Did you add any fun twists? Maybe some extra cheese or a few more veggies? Leave a comment below and share your experience. I always love seeing how you make these recipes your own!
And if you’re anything like me, don’t be surprised if this casserole ends up on your regular dinner rotation — it’s just that good.
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, comforting twist on classic spaghetti. Cream cheese melts into the noodles, creating a creamy, flavorful base that pairs perfectly with the savory beef and marinara sauce. Topped with parmesan and baked until bubbly, this easy casserole is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and stir in the prepared spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well and transfer the hot spaghetti to a large bowl.
Add the room temperature cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the hot spaghetti. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and coats the noodles evenly.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
Spoon the spaghetti mixture over the sauce in the dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Notes
For an even creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk when mixing the cream cheese with the spaghetti. Feel free to add shredded mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a great lunch the next day.
