This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that blends the heartiness of spaghetti with a rich, creamy twist. By layering pasta with seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and a decadent cream cheese mixture, then baking it all under a blanket of melty mozzarella, I get a dinner that’s easy to make and sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple ingredients come together to create something so flavorful and satisfying. The cream cheese gives the spaghetti an unexpected creaminess that takes this classic casserole to the next level. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving to guests because it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and everyone always asks for seconds.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the hot spaghetti with the cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and coats the pasta.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add the cream cheese spaghetti mixture in an even layer.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, so I can have it on the table in about 45 minutes total.
Variations
- Swap the meat: Sometimes I use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: I skip the meat and sauté vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to mix into the sauce.
- Try different cheeses: Mixing in sharp cheddar or provolone adds a new flavor profile that I enjoy.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When baking from cold, I just add about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with this?
I usually pair it with a green salad and garlic bread. It also goes well with roasted vegetables.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely. While spaghetti is classic, I’ve used penne, rotini, or even fettuccine with great results.
How do I keep it from drying out when reheating?
I always cover it with foil and add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating to keep it moist.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. I use gluten-free pasta and make sure the marinara sauce is labeled gluten-free. It turns out just as delicious.
Conclusion
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole has become one of my favorite comfort food meals. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any night I want something hearty and homemade. Whether I serve it fresh or enjoy leftovers the next day, it never disappoints.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and creamy baked spaghetti casserole made with ground beef, marinara sauce, cream cheese, and topped with melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the hot spaghetti with the cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and coats the pasta.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add the cream cheese spaghetti mixture in an even layer.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or sausage for beef for a flavor variation.
- Add sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Cover with foil and add a splash of water when reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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