Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Short description

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and comforting casserole that blends tender spaghetti noodles with creamy, seasoned cream cheese and a hearty meat sauce. Topped with Parmesan and mozzarella, this baked dish delivers layers of satisfying flavor perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti offers the ultimate in comfort food with its creamy, cheesy layers and robust meat sauce. It is easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and can be made ahead for convenient weeknight meals or special occasions. Every bite is packed with savory, creamy goodness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 ounces spaghetti

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

• 1 (8-ounce) 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

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. Cook the Spaghetti
   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
   Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
   Drain well and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, stirring often, until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
   Drain any excess fat.
   Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Spaghetti Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt.
   Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the spaghetti thoroughly.

5. Assemble the Dish
   Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce.
   Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.

6. Add Cheese and Bake
   Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

7. Serve and Enjoy
   Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
   Pair with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.

• Vegetable addition: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers with the spaghetti for extra nutrition.

• Different meats: Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.

• Cheese lovers: Add more mozzarella or use a blend of Italian cheeses for an even cheesier top.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole, covered with foil, in a 325°F (163°C) oven until warmed through.
This dish can also be frozen. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How can I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?

Toss the cooked spaghetti with a little olive oil before mixing with the cream cheese.

Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?

Absolutely, homemade spaghetti sauce will add an even richer flavor to the dish.

How can I make the dish even creamier?

Add 1/4 cup of sour cream to the cream cheese mixture for extra creaminess.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach works well in this casserole.

What kind of mozzarella is best?

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.

Can I substitute another pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine would all work well.

How do I keep the cheese from over-browning?

Cover the casserole loosely with foil if the cheese browns too quickly during baking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used without affecting the overall texture too much.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days when properly refrigerated.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and satisfying twist on a classic pasta dish. With layers of creamy spaghetti, hearty meat sauce, and melty cheese, it is a meal that brings families together around the table.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Upgrade your pasta night with this ultra-creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti! Tender spaghetti noodles tossed in a rich cream cheese sauce, layered with hearty beef and marinara, and topped with bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan make this dish a comforting, irresistible family favorite.

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Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 pinch garlic salt

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

• Cook the Spaghetti:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

  • Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).

  • Drain and set aside.

• Prepare the Meat Sauce:

  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly (about 5-7 minutes).

  • Drain excess fat.

  • Stir in the spaghetti sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.

• Make the Cream Cheese Spaghetti Mixture:

  • In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt.

  • Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the spaghetti thoroughly.

• Assemble the Dish:

  • Spread a small amount of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

  • Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti evenly on top.

  • Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti.

• Add Cheese and Bake:

  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the top.

  • Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

• Serve and Enjoy:

  • Let cool slightly before serving.

  • Perfect paired with garlic bread and a fresh green salad!

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Notes

• For extra richness, add a handful of shredded mozzarella directly into the spaghetti mixture before baking.

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a fun twist.

• This dish freezes well—perfect for make-ahead meals!