Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this dish a go-to for any cook.
- Creamy and Cheesy – The cream cheese adds a deliciously rich and creamy texture to the spaghetti.
- Family-Friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare it in advance and bake it when needed.
- Great for Leftovers – It reheats well, making it a perfect meal prep option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Spaghetti
- Prepared spaghetti sauce
- Lean ground beef
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic, minced
- Cream cheese, room temperature
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and mix in the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the spaghetti. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and coats the pasta evenly.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place the spaghetti mixture over the sauce and top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 400 kcal
Variations
- Use Different Proteins: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Extra Cheese: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the spaghetti sauce is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?
Tossing the cooked spaghetti with a little olive oil before adding the cream cheese helps prevent sticking.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade spaghetti sauce will enhance the flavor even more.
Can I make this dish without meat?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add vegetables or extra cheese for a delicious meat-free version.
What kind of cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses work great in this casserole.
Can I use whole wheat or alternative pasta?
Yes, whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta can be used for a healthier twist.
How do I make this casserole creamier?
You can mix in a little heavy cream or milk with the cream cheese for an even richer texture.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover the casserole with foil while baking to keep it moist, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply use a larger baking dish or divide it into two smaller ones.
Can I add extra seasonings?
Of course! Try adding basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Try out different variations to make it your own, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish layered with flavorful meat sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. With its comforting taste and satisfying texture, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 24 oz prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Mix Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to spaghetti. Stir until fully combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer the spaghetti mixture over it and top with remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Customization: Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage, add vegetables, or mix in extra cheeses like mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
