Cozy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Tonight

My grandmother’s secret baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole always sparked excitement around our kitchen table.

Creamy textures and rich flavors blend perfectly in this comforting dish.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients create something magical.

Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible topping that makes everyone smile.

Weeknight dinners become special moments with this hearty recipe.

Quick preparation means you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing comfort food that promises to become your new favorite family recipe.

What Goes Well With Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Perfectly Paired Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, hearty beef and tomato sauce flavors without overpowering the creamy cheese elements.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the extra sauce and add a crunchy texture that beautifully balances the soft, creamy casserole texture.

Best Storage Practices for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use generic brand cheeses, look for ground beef on sale, and buy marinara sauce when it’s discounted. You can also substitute some of the specialty cheeses with more affordable options like cheddar.

What Makes Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Special

• Boost Family Meal Excitement: Transform ordinary pasta night into a crowd-pleasing feast that gets everyone running to the dinner table with this creamy, cheesy spaghetti sensation.
• Create Layered Flavor Explosion: Pack multiple cheese varieties and seasoned ground beef into one dish, delivering a mouthwatering combination that satisfies hearty appetites and complex taste preferences.
• Master Simple Comfort Cooking: Craft a delicious one-pan meal requiring minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize for Every Palate: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that provides the perfect base for this hearty casserole.

• Ground Beef: A rich protein that adds substantial flavor and texture to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings a tangy and vibrant taste to the casserole.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy layer that adds smoothness to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Provides additional creaminess and a slight tangy flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Contributes to the smooth and creamy texture of the mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Garlic Powder: Infuses a mild, aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Italian flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Prevents the pasta from sticking together.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, green touch.

How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a big pot with water, toss in some salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain and give the noodles a quick olive oil massage to keep them from clumping.

Step 3: Sizzle the Beef

Heat up a large skillet and toss in the ground beef.

Break it apart and cook until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. Drain away any extra grease.

Step 4: Sauce It Up

Pour marinara sauce over the beef and stir everything together. Let it bubble and simmer for a few minutes.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 5: Whip the Creamy Blend

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Ricotta cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Half the Parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Layer the Magic

Start with a thin meat sauce base in the baking dish. Spread the cooked spaghetti evenly.

Dollop the cream cheese mixture across the top. Pour remaining meat sauce over it.

• Shredded mozzarella
• Remaining Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.

Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips to Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle kick that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Pat the ground beef dry before cooking to prevent excess water and ensure a perfect, crispy browning.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and a more even texture throughout the casserole.
• Assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead meal option.
• Sneak in finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the cream cheese mixture for an extra serving of vegetables without changing the dish's flavor.

Variations for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Spicy Southwestern Spaghetti: Replace marinara sauce with spicy salsa, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Spaghetti: Swap ground beef with ground lamb, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, add oregano and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
• Vegetarian Garden Spaghetti: Substitute ground beef with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, use vegetable marinara sauce for a plant-based option.
• Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, use alfredo sauce instead of marinara, and add spinach for extra nutrition.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, comforting baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole brings Italian-American kitchen magic to dinner tables. Cheesy pasta layers promise a hearty meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious, indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

Dairy Components:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 jar (24 ounces or 680 grams) marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until perfectly tender. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent clumping.
3. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Eliminate excess grease.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the cooked beef, creating a rich meat sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, enhancing with salt and pepper.
5. Create a velvety cheese blend by whisking together cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and half the Parmesan until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Layer the casserole by spreading a thin meat sauce base, then arrange spaghetti evenly. Carefully spread the creamy cheese mixture across the pasta, followed by remaining meat sauce.
7. Generously top the casserole with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely.
8. Remove foil and continue baking 5-10 minutes more to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
9. Allow casserole to rest briefly after removing from oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery casserole texture and ensure creamy consistency.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat and create lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Consider making vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
• Experiment with cheese variations like adding smoked gouda or using low-fat cream cheese for healthier alternative without sacrificing rich, comforting taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 559 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 567 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg