This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It combines creamy cheese with tender pasta for a tasty treat that everyone will love!
Trust me, the cream cheese makes this pasta delightfully smooth. I like to sprinkle some extra cheese on top—because who can resist more cheese, right? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is classic, but feel free to switch it up with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just ensure you cook it to al dente, so it holds up in the casserole.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Use whichever you prefer! For a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too. If you’re vegetarian, try using a meat substitute, or load it up with veggies instead.
Cream Cheese: This adds a wonderful creaminess. If you want a lighter version, you can replace it with Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. My personal favorite is a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for tanginess!
Cheddar and Mozzarella: These cheeses give that cheesy pull. If you like a kick, pepper jack or a mix of your favorite cheeses can be great. Just keep the total amount of cheese similar for the right texture.
How Do I Get My Casserole to Be Creamy and Delicious?
The secret to a creamy casserole is melting cream cheese into the sauce. Here’s how to do it right:
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for ease of mixing. This prevents clumps in your dish.
- Add cream cheese to the warm meat sauce after it’s taken off the heat. Stir until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combining the creamy cheese with pasta while it’s warm ensures everything melds beautifully together.
Take your time when layering the casserole. Make sure each layer is evenly spread for delicious bites every time you serve!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions or fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Casserole Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
Next, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside. We want it to be ready when we combine everything!
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then throw in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until you can smell that lovely aroma.
4. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Remember to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat before moving on!
5. Combine with Marinara Sauce:
Stir in your marinara sauce and heat everything through. Once it’s bubbling and mixed well, remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Mix in the Cream Cheese:
In a small bowl, take your softened cream cheese and mix it until it’s smooth. Now, stir the cream cheese into the meat sauce mixture until it’s well combined and super creamy. This will give your casserole that delicious, rich texture!
7. Combine Everything:
Now, add your cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly in that yummy sauce.
8. Layer the Casserole:
Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over this layer. Then, pour the remaining spaghetti mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella, cheddar, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake the Casserole:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want to see that the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Delicious!
10. Let it Cool:
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to serve and help it stay in better slices.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your casserole with some freshly chopped green onions or parsley for that extra pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Enjoy this rich and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole that’s creamy from the cream cheese and full of comforting flavors!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta to make this casserole suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully as gluten-free pasta can sometimes require different cooking times.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you prefer a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure to season well to enhance the flavor!
