If you are craving a meal that bursts with creamy, cheesy goodness and warms you up from the inside out, this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Combining tender spaghetti coated in a luscious cream cheese mixture with a rich, savory meat sauce and topped with golden, melted mozzarella, this casserole hits all the comfort food notes. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together and keeps them asking for seconds, making it a real winner whether it’s a family weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its irresistible layers of flavor, texture, and color. These essentials are pantry-friendly and easy to find, making the dish approachable yet satisfying.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Cooked al dente, it forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a mild richness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides savory depth and meaty texture to the sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a warm, pungent punch.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce: The tomato base that ties all flavors together with tang and spice.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the sauce with fragrant, earthy notes.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of warmth.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient that makes the spinach silkily creamy and smooth.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Contributes a slight tang and luxurious texture to the cheese mix.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, savory depth to the creamy layer.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully on top creating a bubbly, golden crust.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant kick for visual appeal and brightness.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside. This ensures your pasta keeps a slight bite, essential for texture after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly. Throw in diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and release their amazing aroma, about 3 minutes. Pour in the marinara sauce, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and allow everything to simmer together for 5 minutes. This melds the flavors into a richly layered sauce that will complement the creamy spaghetti.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Sauce
In a big mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until silky smooth. This luscious mixture will coat the spaghetti, infusing every forkful with creamy indulgence.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Begin by spreading half of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, toss the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture until each strand is perfectly coated, then layer this cheesy spaghetti over the meat sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce on top and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, which will create that signature bubbly and golden crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the mozzarella turns irresistibly golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes for easier slicing and to allow the flavors to set beautifully.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the rich casserole with a pop of color and a light herbal note, making each plate look inviting and fresh. Alternatively, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat if you love a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creamy richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also complement this dish beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch and an extra dose of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins, perfect for dinner parties or casual family meals. You can also layer the casserole with extra vegetables like sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated for a quick, comforting meal.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked straight from the freezer, adding a bit of extra baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, usually around 15 to 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave on medium power in covered portions until hot, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic here, you can swap it for penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking time and check for al dente doneness so your casserole holds together well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. You could also use a plant-based meat substitute to keep the hearty texture.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Definitely! This recipe is very forgiving and can be assembled a day ahead, refrigerated, and baked right before serving. It’s also freezer-friendly if you want to prep even earlier.
What kind of cream cheese works best?
Use regular full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, richest texture. Reduced-fat versions will work but might affect the final creaminess and flavor.
How can I add more flavor to the meat sauce?
Try sautéing diced bell peppers along with onions or stirring in some fresh basil and oregano towards the end of cooking. A splash of red wine also deepens the sauce’s richness nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a delicious way to bring a little extra comfort and joy to your mealtime. It’s straightforward to make, deeply flavorful, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your family’s rotation!
Print
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti coated in a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan, layered with savory ground beef marinara sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, this casserole combines rich flavors and satisfying textures baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cream Cheese Mixture and Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking and breaking it apart until browned. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Season Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over this sauce, then spoon the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of meat sauce.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted to a golden, slightly browned finish.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to let it set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce during cooking.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble ahead and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months for convenient meal prep.
