Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-488346H59M14S
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 (28‑oz) jar spaghetti sauce; 1 (8‑oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 pinch garlic salt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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A cheesy, comforting baked casserole combining spaghetti with creamy cream cheese, meat sauce, and melted cheeses for a hearty family meal. This dish is the kind of warm, filling comfort food I love serving when I want something easy yet satisfying. Every bite gives me that nostalgic, homestyle flavor that makes it feel like a Sunday dinner—even on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns ordinary spaghetti into something rich and indulgent without much effort. The cream cheese makes the pasta irresistibly creamy, while the savory meat sauce and gooey melted cheese on top create a baked finish that brings everything together. It’s the kind of meal that’s always a hit with both adults and kids, and it works great as a make-ahead dinner too. I often prep it the night before and just pop it in the oven when I get home. Plus, it freezes well, making it perfect for busy days.

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 (28-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch garlic salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
I bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, cook the spaghetti until al dente (about 12 minutes), then drain it well.
While the pasta cooks, I brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it's fully cooked and crumbly—about 5 to 7 minutes—then drain the fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce.
In a large bowl, I mix the hot drained spaghetti with cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. I keep stirring until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
I spread a little of the meat sauce at the bottom of the prepared pan, then layer the coated spaghetti on top.
I pour the rest of the meat sauce over the spaghetti and finish it off by sprinkling the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
I bake the casserole for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly, and then let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 50 minutes to cook, with a total time of around 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want something a little lighter. For more texture and nutrition, I like adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the meat sauce. If I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll add an extra layer of mozzarella in the middle of the casserole for an extra gooey surprise.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I usually warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the entire casserole (covered) in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. I also like making this ahead—assembled but unbaked—then refrigerating it. When I’m ready to bake, I just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I assemble the whole dish and keep it covered in the fridge until I’m ready to bake. It’s perfect for prepping the night before or even in the morning before work.

Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole?

Yes, I freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, I wrap it tightly and thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. If freezing leftovers, I reheat them in the oven or microwave straight from the freezer.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

I’ve tried ricotta or mascarpone as alternatives, but cream cheese gives the best creamy texture. If I want it lighter, I sometimes use reduced-fat cream cheese.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely. I like adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is traditional, but I’ve also made this with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well will work just fine.

Conclusion

This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole has become one of my go-to comfort meals for good reason—it’s creamy, cheesy, filling, and incredibly simple to make. Whether I’m feeding a crowd, planning ahead for the week, or just craving something cozy, this dish always delivers. It’s a family favorite that never disappoints.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Main Dish / Casserole
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Diet: Halal

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Description

A cheesy, comforting baked casserole combining spaghetti with creamy cream cheese, meat sauce, and melted cheeses for a hearty family meal.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking pan.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until tender but still firm (al dente), about 12 minutes. Drain.
Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly (5‑7 minutes). Drain off excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce.
In a large bowl, add the drained spaghetti, cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the spaghetti evenly.
Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Layer the coated spaghetti on top. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti.
Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella over the top.
Bake in the oven until bubbly, about 30 minutes. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can make this ahead of time: assemble and refrigerate; bake when ready.
If stored after refrigerating, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Use room‑temperature cream cheese (or cut into small pieces) so it melts more easily and mixes better.
Variations: substitute turkey or chicken for ground beef, or add vegetables like onions or bell peppers to the meat sauce.