This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! With creamy cheese and tender spaghetti, it’s comfort food at its best.
Honestly, who can resist a cheesy pasta bake? It’s like a festival of flavors in your mouth! I love making it ahead of time—just pop it in the oven, and you’re all set for a cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti Pasta: Traditional spaghetti works great here, but you can swap it for whole wheat spaghetti, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lighter option.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Use whatever meat you prefer! Ground chicken or a plant-based meat substitute can replace it easily for a lighter or vegetarian dish.
Cream Cheese: This is key for creaminess, but you can use Neufchâtel cheese or dairy-free cream cheese for a different take. Greek yogurt could also lend some creaminess, just don’t cook it too hot!
Cheeses: While mozzarella is a beloved choice, don’t shy away from using provolone or cheddar for extra flavor. Just mix and match based on what you have in your fridge!
How Do I Ensure My Cheese Toppings Don’t Burn?
A common struggle with baked casseroles is keeping the cheese from burning while the rest cooks through. Here’s a tip to balance things out:
- Bake the casserole uncovered as directed for the last 20 minutes to let the cheese melt, but cover the baking dish with foil for the first 10 minutes. This will help it cook evenly without burning.
- Keep a close eye on the cheese toward the end. If it starts browning too quickly, cover it lightly with the foil again.
This way, you’ll get that golden top without compromising the rest! Enjoy your perfectly baked casserole!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes (optional)
For Cooking:
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, plus an additional 5 minutes for cooling. Total time is approximately 50 minutes. It’s a quick way to enjoy a hearty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it turns translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour in the marinara or spaghetti sauce, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to simmer for about 5 minutes, which helps the flavors combine.
6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Add half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a cheesy blend.
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the meat sauce. Add the cream cheese mixture and stir everything together until the spaghetti is well-coated and evenly mixed.
8. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Carefully transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
9. Add the Cheese Topping:
Top the mixture with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for that delicious cheesy crust.
10. Bake Away:
Put the casserole in the oven and bake it uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps make serving easier and gives the cheese a chance to set a little.
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
If desired, sprinkle fresh or dried parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole!
This casserole is the epitome of creamy, cheesy, and meaty comfort food—perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti adds more fiber, and gluten-free pasta can be used for dietary restrictions. Just cook according to package instructions for the best results!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef or turkey with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for added flavor!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 2 days before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.