Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 28 oz jar of spaghetti sauce; 1 8 oz package of softened cream cheese; 1 clove of garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; A pinch of garlic salt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 16 reviews

If there’s one dish that truly wraps up the spirit of comfort food and family gatherings, it’s Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This ultimate casserole captures everything you crave in a cozy baked pasta: luscious cream cheese-coated spaghetti, a rich and savory beefy tomato sauce, and a golden, melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. With every forkful, you get a hearty taste of Italian-American tradition, plus that creamy twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (and let’s be honest, sometimes thirds!). If you want a special meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love, this casserole will become your go-to for weeknights and weekends alike.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a laundry list of groceries to create something magical here — each ingredient for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole plays a starring role, from the basics of beef and pasta to the irresistible richness of cream cheese. Choose quality staples and let them shine!

Spaghetti (12 oz): The classic pasta base, sturdy enough to hold all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Lean ground beef (1 lb): Adds savory flavor and heartiness, perfect for feeding a crowd or hungry family.
Spaghetti sauce (1 jar, 28 oz): A saucy shortcut that brings balanced sweetness and tang — choose your favorite variety!
Cream cheese (1 package, 8 oz, softened): The secret ingredient that gives every bite its creamy, dreamy texture.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Fresh garlic lifts the dish with aromatic flavor and depth.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of dried herbs to amp up that classic Italian vibe.
Garlic salt (a pinch): A finishing touch for extra savory zest that enhances every layer.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sharp and nutty, it creates a beautiful golden topping when baked.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Classic, melty cheese that pulls the whole dish together with delicious stretchiness.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start the process by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to keep your casserole from sticking and to make serving a breeze later.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the spaghetti. Stir occasionally and cook until the noodles are al dente — about 12 minutes. You want them firm enough to hold up in the casserole, not mushy!

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Add Sauce

While your pasta cooks, grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, stirring, until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess fat, then pour in your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce. Let the mixture simmer and soak up all those savory flavors.

Step 4: Mix Pasta with Cream Cheese and Seasonings

Drain the cooked spaghetti and immediately transfer it to a mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens — add in your softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of garlic salt. Stir until the spaghetti is thoroughly coated in a creamy, fragrant sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Pile on the cream cheese-tossed spaghetti, then top it off with the rest of the meat sauce. Finish with generous sprinkles of Parmesan and mozzarella, making sure the top is all set to become bubbly and golden in the oven.

Step 6: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is gorgeously browned. When you pull out the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, let it rest just a couple of minutes before slicing — if you can resist digging in!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

Take your casserole up a notch by adorning it with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkling of extra Parmesan right before serving gives an irresistible savory note!

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables to lighten things up. And don’t forget some warm garlic bread — perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun gatherings, you can serve this casserole in individual ramekins or scoop it into shallow pasta bowls for a more elegant touch. If you’re making it ahead, try garnishing with roasted cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of pesto to make your table pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, any leftovers of your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making the next-day meal just as exciting!

Freezing

To freeze, tightly wrap portions or the entire dish in foil and plastic wrap, then stash it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it most.

Reheating

Reheating is easy: simply cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F until heated through, or microwave individual servings in short bursts. Add a fresh sprinkle of mozzarella or a few drops of water to maintain that delicious creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While traditional spaghetti is classic for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne — just keep the shape sturdy enough to hold the sauce well.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

You can make this casserole vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. The recipe is flexible and still delivers that creamy, cheesy comfort.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate it. Just allow for a few extra minutes of baking to ensure it’s heated through when you’re ready to serve.

How do I keep the cream cheese from clumping?

Be sure to soften the cream cheese and mix it with the hot pasta straight away. The heat from the noodles will help it melt smoothly and coat the spaghetti perfectly.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

To keep the casserole creamy, add a tablespoon of water or extra sauce over the top before reheating. Covering the dish with foil also helps lock in moisture while it warms up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that brings people together and puts smiles on faces, give Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole a try. It’s a guaranteed comfort food winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds — or better yet, the recipe!