Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is everything you want in a baked pasta casserole: rich, creamy, savory, and loaded with comforting flavors. The cream cheese blends seamlessly with the spaghetti, adding a luscious texture and mild tang. It’s ideal for meal prep, easy enough for a weeknight dinner, and hearty enough to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to make classic spaghetti feel new and exciting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• spaghetti

• lean ground beef

• spaghetti sauce

• cream cheese (softened)

• garlic (minced)

• Italian seasoning

• garlic salt

• grated Parmesan cheese

• shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce.

4. Drain the cooked spaghetti and transfer it to a large bowl. Add softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the pasta is fully coated.

5. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over it. Top with the remaining meat sauce.

6. Sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor profile.

• Add Veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicy twist.

• Cheese Variations: Try adding ricotta or using a cheese blend with provolone or fontina for extra creaminess.

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway.
To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze the baked casserole?

Yes, once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What kind of spaghetti sauce should I use?

Use your favorite jarred marinara or meat sauce. You can also make a homemade sauce if you prefer.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy texture and cheesy top make it a favorite with kids.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

While spaghetti is classic, you can use linguine, fettuccine, or even penne in a pinch.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese gives the casserole its signature richness, but you can substitute with ricotta or cottage cheese for a different texture.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Be sure to coat the pasta well with the cream cheese mixture and cover the casserole while storing. Baking with foil can also help retain moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to double for larger gatherings. Use two baking dishes and extend the baking time slightly.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti that brings together comfort, convenience, and bold flavor. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping meals for the week, it’s a creamy, cheesy dish the whole family will request again and again.