Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is exactly what you need. Combining the rich flavors of a hearty meat sauce, creamy pasta, and melted cheese, this dish is a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this baked spaghetti casserole is sure to become a staple in your home. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Creamy & Cheesy – The addition of cream cheese makes the pasta extra rich and flavorful.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish!
- Customizable – Easy to swap out ingredients and make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (or more to taste; try mozzarella for extra cheesiness)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for browning meat
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Strainer
- Cooking utensils (spoon, spatula, knife)
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer while you prepare the pasta.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Cook spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Creamy Pasta
- Add cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the hot spaghetti.
- Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a small amount of meat sauce at the bottom.
- Add the spaghetti mixture on top.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with parmesan (or mozzarella) cheese.
5. Bake
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Use Ground Turkey or Sausage – Swap out the ground beef for turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian – Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Try Different Cheeses – Use mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone instead of (or in addition to) parmesan.
- Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through.
Best Food & Drink Pairings
- Garlic Bread – A classic side to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad – A fresh salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Red Wine – A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs beautifully with the flavors of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I Use Homemade Spaghetti Sauce?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade sauce, feel free to use it instead of store-bought.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream cheese, and ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
What’s the Best Cheese to Use?
Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a blend of Italian cheeses work wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for your family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more delicious meal ideas.
Happy cooking!
