Imagine this: it’s a chilly evening, the sun is just setting, and your home is filled with the comforting aroma of a warm, bubbling casserole fresh from the oven. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is not just a dish—it’s a hug on a plate. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for a busy week, or simply craving something indulgent and satisfying, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and pure bliss in every bite.
Inspired by classic Italian-American comfort food and elevated with a creamy twist, this casserole is a delicious fusion of hearty spaghetti, seasoned beef, tangy marinara, and a luscious layer of cream cheese. It’s the kind of dish that gathers people around the table and keeps them coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and seriously satisfying, this casserole is it. Here’s why:
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: Rich, creamy, cheesy, and savory—this dish hits all the right notes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and reheat when needed.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry and fridge staples.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist!
- Customizable: Swap the beef for turkey, use your favorite pasta, or toss in veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything we need. These simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical.
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- Salt for boiling water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade!)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but adds a nice touch of color)
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
This recipe breaks down into a few simple steps. You’ll cook the pasta, prepare a creamy cheese mixture, brown the beef, layer everything together, and bake it to perfection. Let’s walk through it step by step.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Pro Tip: Greasing your dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Why al dente? Slightly firm pasta holds up better during baking and soaks in the flavors without getting mushy.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Blend
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Want extra flavor? Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of onion powder.
4. Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Optional Add-In: Sauté diced onions with the beef for more depth of flavor.
5. Layer the Casserole
Time to assemble!
- Start with half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Pour half of the marinara sauce over the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.
- Repeat with remaining spaghetti, cream cheese, sauce, and cheeses.
Layering tip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly to ensure creamy bites throughout the dish.
6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional step: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a beautifully golden cheese top.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Slice, serve hot, and watch your family fall in love with this heavenly casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy baked spaghetti dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted or steamed vegetables
- A glass of red wine (for the adults!)
Looking for a full meal idea? Start with a light appetizer, like bruschetta, then enjoy this casserole as the hearty main course.
Tips for Success
- Soften your cream cheese ahead of time for easier mixing.
- Use high-quality marinara or homemade sauce to elevate flavor.
- Try different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or gouda for a twist.
- Don’t overbake, as it can dry out the pasta. Watch the top closely during the last 10 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is flexible and easy to modify based on your taste or dietary needs.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce for a kick.
Use Different Meats
Swap ground beef for:
- Italian sausage
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version
Add Vegetables
Sneak in some nutrition by layering in:
- Sautéed spinach
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
Go Low-Carb
Use spaghetti squash or a low-carb pasta alternative to reduce carbs without sacrificing comfort.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat:
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20–25 minutes).
- Microwave: Reheat single servings in a microwave-safe dish for 2–3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Can I freeze it unbaked?
Yes. Prepare and assemble, then wrap it tightly and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
What pasta can I use instead of spaghetti?
You can substitute with:
- Linguine
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Rotini
Just make sure it’s cooked al dente!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on brands and specific ingredients used.
Final Thoughts: This Casserole Is Your New Go-To
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food with a twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, savory, and filling—the kind of meal that makes a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a dish that’s as delicious as it is soul-soothing.