Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Let me introduce you to a real crowd-pleaser: Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This comforting bake has all the familiar pasta goodness you love, but with a luscious, creamy layer that takes each bite to the next level. Picture tender spaghetti, rich meaty marinara, and a swoon-worthy blend of cream cheese and Parmesan, all bubbling under a blanket of melty mozzarella. It’s hearty enough to satisfy a hungry family, yet easy enough for a weeknight meal, and it will absolutely disappear at your next potluck. Trust me, this recipe is the casserole upgrade you never knew you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list proves that you don’t need anything fancy to create something truly special. Each component plays an important role, adding layers of flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or that essential cheesy pull everyone craves in a Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The perfect foundation and texture for soaking up flavors and providing those satisfying twirls on your fork.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds a hearty, savory depth and turns this casserole into a complete meal.
- Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Brings all the Italian flair and keeps the casserole deliciously saucy.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret to that ultra-creamy middle layer—let it sit out to soften for easy blending.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup): Brightens the cream cheese mixture, sharpening flavors and adding silkiness.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): For a savory, nutty punch that pairs beautifully with the creaminess.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Provides that coveted gooey, melted topping everyone loves on a baked pasta dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives a warm, fragrant base that makes the sauce sing.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that gives the casserole instant, unmistakable Italian flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings, essential for drawing out every delicious note.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Keeps everything from sticking, making serving (and cleaning up!) a breeze.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh finish that adds just the right touch of color.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly hot and ready when you are. Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a good coat of nonstick spray. This helps everything release easily and keeps your layers picture-perfect when you slice into your Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente. You want those noodles to have a little bite so they hold up through baking. Drain well and set aside; don’t overcook—the oven will finish the job.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as you go. Once it’s browned and crumbled, drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then season generously with salt and pepper. Stir in your favorite marinara sauce, then let everything simmer together for about five minutes. This infuses the meat with flavor and makes the sauce nice and rich.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Beat or stir until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This cheesy spread is the heart of the casserole, creating that melt-in-your-mouth layer you’ll be dreaming about long after dinner.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Now for the fun part—layering! Spread half the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Dollop and then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, getting all the way to the corners. Top with the rest of the spaghetti. Pour the savory meat sauce over everything, making sure it seeps down into all the nooks and crannies. Finally, shower the top with mozzarella cheese for that signature golden finish.
Step 6: Bake
Slide your Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbling and the edges are just starting to crisp. The aroma will guarantee that you’ll have plenty of hungry fans in the kitchen during this step!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set, then sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley. This little touch makes every slice look extra inviting and adds a burst of fresh flavor to balance all that rich, cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Bring your Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole to the table with a flourish by showering it with freshly chopped parsley. For added flair, you can also scatter a little extra Parmesan or a dusting of black pepper on each serving. If you’re feeling bold, tuck in a few torn basil leaves for a pop of color and herbal aroma.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is already so hearty and satisfying, it pairs beautifully with lighter, crisp side dishes. I love to serve a bright, tangy green salad, maybe with a lemony vinaigrette. A platter of roasted vegetables or some garlic bread is always a hit, too—the bread is especially handy for soaking up any of that creamy sauce left on your plate!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, portion the Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can also cut the casserole into neat squares and serve them atop a swirl of extra marinara on each plate. For potlucks or family-style dinners, just bring the whole bubbling dish to the table—those golden, cheesy edges are irresistible in their own right.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just reheat and enjoy—sometimes it’s even better the next day!
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? This casserole freezes like a dream. Wrap the unbaked, assembled casserole securely in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, uncover, and bake as directed (you may need to add an extra 10 minutes or so). You can also freeze baked leftovers; just portion them out for handy single servings.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out) until heated through and bubbly. Individual portions can also be microwaved in 1-minute bursts. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese or herbs to revive that just-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti gives this dish its classic texture, feel free to swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne—whatever you have on hand. Just cook your pasta of choice until al dente, so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Can I prepare Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Simply assemble the casserole as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when hosting guests—just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Of course! Just leave out the ground beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy goodness with a veggie-forward twist.
Is it possible to lighten up the casserole?
Yes! Use light or Neufchâtel cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and swap in part-skim mozzarella. You can also add roasted vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition and cut back on some of the meat.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
No problem! While Parmesan offers a lovely nutty burst, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar salty depth.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a piping hot dish of Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: it’s cozy, filling, and always draws a crowd. Give it a try, share it with the people you love, and don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds!
Print
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and cheesy Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole that combines the richness of cream cheese with savory ground beef, all baked to perfection with layers of pasta and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Layer spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
