Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce; 1 clove of garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; A pinch of garlic salt; 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 18 reviews

If you’re in search of a crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting family meal, look no further than Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This irresistible casserole combines velvety noodles, melty cheese, and a savory spaghetti sauce layered with rich ground beef, creating a dish that delivers warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve for company—trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this casserole lies in its refreshingly simple ingredient list. Each component has a role to play—whether it’s providing creamy texture, bold flavors, or that gorgeous golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole to life:

Spaghetti: The perfect noodle to grab all that luscious sauce and cheese for a satisfying, fork-twirling experience.
Lean ground beef: Adds hearty richness and protein, balancing out the creamy layers.
Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety for convenience and consistent flavor, or go homemade for a personal touch.
Cream cheese (softened): The star of the show — it brings a velvety smoothness that makes this casserole irresistibly creamy.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic’s aromatic punch infuses every bite with extra flavor.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend ties the sauce and cheese together, adding an herby fragrance throughout.
Garlic salt: Just a pinch boosts the savory notes and provides a gentle kick.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty top layer that browns beautifully in the oven.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to bubbly perfection, creating that classic stringy cheese pull every comfort food lover dreams of.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first, set the scene! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)—this ensures your casserole bakes evenly. Give your trusty 9×13-inch baking pan a light greasing, which helps with easy cleanup and prevents any sticky cheese bits from clinging to the sides later.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, aiming for al dente (about 12 minutes is just right). Stir occasionally and watch as the pasta plumps up and becomes irresistibly tender—just remember not to overcook, as it’ll continue to soften in the oven!

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Simmer the Sauce

While your noodles cook, heat a skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns. Once it’s no longer pink and is wonderfully crumbly, drain off any excess fat for a lighter casserole. Return the beef to the pan and stir in your spaghetti sauce. Let this mixture bubble gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors—a simple but crucial step!

Step 4: Creamy Noodle Magic

Drain your spaghetti and transfer it to a large mixing bowl while it’s still hot. Add the block of softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta beautifully. This step is the secret to that creamy, luscious texture that makes Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon a bit of your beefy tomato sauce into the bottom of the prepared pan—this prevents sticking and infuses extra flavor into the base. Carefully layer the creamy spaghetti on top, spreading it evenly. Pour the rest of your saucy beef mixture over the pasta, then finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. This combo guarantees a gooey, irresistible top layer after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your assembled masterpiece in the oven and bake for around 30 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of heavenly—let the casserole cool for just a few minutes before serving so the slices hold together perfectly.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

For a fresh, colorful finish, top each serving with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before you dig in. A light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a lovely zing, highlighting the creamy richness underneath.

Side Dishes

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is hearty enough to be the star, but it loves some company. Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce. Roasted veggies, like broccoli or zucchini, also complement the cheesy, savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party presentation. Or, scoop generous helpings into bowls and pass around extra grated cheese for customizing. For potlucks, simply keep it in the baking dish and let everyone help themselves—this casserole always draws a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole stores like a dream! Simply transfer cooled slices into airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to four days, making for the most delightful grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the casserole, assemble it right up to the baking step but hold off on baking. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—adding an extra 10 minutes or so to the cook time if it’s still chilled.

Reheating

To reheat individual portions, microwave with a splash of water to keep things moist. For reheating a whole pan, cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree F oven until heated through. Either way, the creamy textures and flavors come right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti gives you those long, satisfying strands, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness during baking.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it unwrapped on a plate in 15-second bursts until just soft enough to blend smoothly into the pasta.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole vegetarian?

Of course! Simply swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based protein. Use a hearty, veggie-rich spaghetti sauce to boost the flavor and keep the dish just as comforting.

What cheese alternatives work if I’m out of mozzarella?

For a new cheesy twist, try shredded provolone, Monterey jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Each melts beautifully and pairs well with the creamy base and savory sauce.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out when reheating?

Cover the casserole with foil before reheating in the oven to trap steam and retain moisture. If reheating a single portion, add a splash of water or extra sauce before microwaving—it really helps preserve that signature creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There are few dinners as universally loved or as reliably comforting as Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. Whether you’re feeding a family or sharing with friends, this dish is sure to bring smiles and second helpings. I hope you try it soon—you might just discover your new go-to recipe for cozy, cheesy, pasta-bake perfection!