why make this recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that brings family and friends together. It combines the richness of cream cheese with flavorful meat and cheese, offering a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings because you can prepare it in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s filling, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
how to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz (700g) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Extra Parmesan
- Butter for greasing
Directions:
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente; drain well.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage with onion; add garlic and marinara sauce, then simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and garlic powder; add hot spaghetti and mix until coated.
- Grease a baking dish with butter and layer the spaghetti mixture, followed by the meat sauce, and then top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to serve.
how to serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Serve the casserole hot, right out of the oven. You can garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cover it well. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
tips to make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Feel free to swap the ground beef with turkey or a meat substitute for a lighter option.
variation
You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables. You can also try different cheeses like cheddar for a cheesier flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I cook the spaghetti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can cook the spaghetti a few hours in advance. Just make sure to toss it with a little olive oil so it doesn’t stick together.
Q: Can I use a different type of sauce?
A: Absolutely! You can use Alfredo sauce or a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is done?
A: The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing to serve.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Creamy Base
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
- ½ cup sour cream (optional) Optional, but adds creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey or meat substitutes.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce Use your favorite brand.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Extra Parmesan For topping.
- Butter for greasing Use to grease the baking dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente; drain well.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage with chopped onion, then add minced garlic and marinara sauce; simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder; add hot spaghetti and mix until coated.
- Grease a baking dish with butter and layer the spaghetti mixture, followed by the meat sauce, and then top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to serve.