Creamy Spaghetti Casserole
Introduction
Hola! I’m Emma, and let me tell you—this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is one of those recipes that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. Growing up in Orlando, my mama always believed in hearty, family-style dinners, and pasta casseroles were a staple on our table. This one combines creamy, cheesy layers with tender spaghetti and rich meat sauce—basically comfort food at its best. Whether you’re making it ahead for busy weeknights or serving it straight from the oven at Sunday dinner, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. If you’ve been searching for creamy spaghetti casserole recipes, this is it!
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 50 mins | 1 hr 5 mins | 12 | Easy | Italian-American | All year |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra creamy layers – The cream cheese melts into the pasta, coating every bite with luscious creaminess.
- Perfect for make-ahead – You can assemble this casserole the night before and just bake when needed, making it one of the best pasta make ahead meals.
- Family favorite – With gooey mozzarella and Parmesan on top, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
- Budget-friendly – Most of the ingredients can be found at Dollar General, making it a great option for dinner ideas from Dollar General.
- Versatile meal – Great for late lunches, family dinners, or even potlucks since it reheats beautifully.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comfort, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect family-style dinner. Great for make-ahead meals or a cozy Sunday bake.
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 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of garlic salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
5. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer spaghetti mixture on top, then pour the remaining meat sauce over.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses generously on top.
7. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Notes
Use a block of cream cheese for best texture.
Don’t overcook pasta; it continues cooking while baking.
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Resting before slicing keeps layers intact.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of casserole)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
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 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of garlic salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | Cook until just al dente since it will continue baking in the oven. |
| Ground Beef | Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease; ground turkey works too. |
| Spaghetti Sauce | A good-quality jarred sauce adds depth, but you can also use homemade. |
| Cream Cheese | Make sure it’s softened to mix smoothly with pasta. |
| Garlic | Fresh garlic gives the best flavor—avoid powdered if possible. |
| Italian Seasoning | Adjust to taste; you can add extra basil or oregano. |
| Parmesan Cheese | Freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded. |
| Mozzarella Cheese | Shredded low-moisture mozzarella creates a perfect gooey top layer. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until pasta is evenly coated and creamy.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer spaghetti mixture on top, then pour the remaining meat sauce over.
- Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses generously on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Helpful Tips
- Use a block of cream cheese instead of whipped for best texture.
- Don’t overcook pasta; it should be slightly firm before baking.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Letting the casserole rest before slicing helps layers hold together.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Layer carefully – Start with sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Mix pasta while hot – Warm noodles help cream cheese melt smoothly.
- Bake uncovered – This ensures a bubbly, golden-brown cheesy crust.
- Let it rest – Just a few minutes cooling will make slicing neater.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter twist.
- Vegetarian Version – Use sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach instead of meat for a veggie-packed option.
- Spicy Italian Sausage – Add crumbled sausage to the sauce for extra flavor and kick.
- White Sauce Version – Replace red sauce with Alfredo for a creamy cream cheese and pasta recipe variation.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Just cover tightly with foil and bake when ready. For freezing, wrap the unbaked casserole in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 60–70 minutes, removing foil halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. A drizzle of olive oil just before serving adds extra richness.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon is refreshing. Side dishes like roasted vegetables or a Caprese salad complement it perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For reheating, microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, or warm larger portions on the stovetop with a splash of extra sauce to keep it creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes, penne or rigatoni also work well since they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
2. Can I substitute ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all make great swaps.
3. Do I have to use cream cheese? Cream cheese gives the dish its signature creaminess, but ricotta or mascarpone can be used instead.
4. Can this be made vegetarian? Yes! Simply skip the meat and load up on vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
5. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out? Be sure to cover the spaghetti well with sauce before baking—it keeps everything moist.
6. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and check your sauce label for gluten-free certification.
7. What’s the best cheese for topping? Mozzarella is classic, but you can add provolone or even cheddar for a unique twist.
Nutrition Info (per serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (1/12 of casserole) | 390 | 22g | 35g | 17g | 2g | 7g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is everything you want in a cozy pasta bake—creamy, cheesy, filling, and incredibly easy to make. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to comfort meal. Gather your family, grab a fork, and dig into this delicious creamy spaghetti casserole tonight!
