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
