Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy dream come true, with its gooey cheese and rich flavors embracing your taste buds like a warm hug. Imagine pulling a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece from the oven, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of melted cheese mingling with perfectly cooked pasta. For more inspiration, check out this explore more main dishes recipe.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s comfort food in its finest form. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this casserole will steal the show. I can already hear the oohs and aahs as everyone takes that first bite and sinks into cheesy bliss. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipe ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole makes weeknight dinners effortless while being an absolute crowd-pleaser
- It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it visually appealing and downright delicious
- You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, ensuring everyone enjoys their perfect slice of comfort
I remember the first time I served this to my family; their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning when they saw that cheesy goodness bubbling away.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti: Use about 12 ounces of spaghetti for perfect texture; cook it al dente to hold up in the casserole.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creaminess; let it sit at room temperature for easy mixing.
Ground Beef or Turkey: About one pound works well here; choose lean meat for a healthier option.
Marinara Sauce: Opt for your favorite jarred sauce or homemade; it brings all those wonderful flavors together.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Two cups of mozzarella will create that gooey, melty topping we all love.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds richness and depth to the casserole’s flavor profile.
Onion and Garlic: One chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves bring aromatic goodness to every bite.
Italian Seasoning: A tablespoon of this blend adds warmth and depth; don’t skip it!
Olive Oil: Use a drizzle to sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and tender.
Salt and Pepper: These essentials enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor, so season generously.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Pasta Perfectly: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain it well but reserve about half a cup of pasta water for later.
Sauté Onions and Garlic Delightfully : In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes, then toss in minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
Add Ground Meat for Flavor : Crumble in your ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned—about 7-10 minutes while breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Create That Creamy Mixture : Lower the heat slightly and mix in softened cream cheese until melted smooth. Stir in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning; allow everything to meld beautifully for 3-5 minutes.
Toss Everything Together : Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the creamy meat mixture you just created. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Layer It Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella before layering again with remaining spaghetti followed by more mozzarella on top.
Bake Until Golden : Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling around edges.
Let it cool slightly before serving to allow those delicious layers to set. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is not just delicious but also a family favorite
- The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a hit at gatherings
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the pasta while you mix the cream cheese and sauce. Layer everything together and bake to perfection, ensuring even cooking and a delightful crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap traditional spaghetti for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, remember to mix your cheeses well for creamy consistency
- Avoid overcooking your pasta; it should be al dente before baking
- Add fresh herbs right before serving for vibrant flavor and color
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings, where laughter and cheesy goodness filled the air as we enjoyed every bite together.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! Try adding mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors and textures.
How long does this casserole take to bake?
Bake it at 350°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This creamy dish blends gooey cheese, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and savory ground meat for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and irresistible aroma. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a crowd-pleaser for all!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and reserve half a cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent (4-5 minutes), then add garlic for another minute.
- Add ground meat; cook until browned (7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Mix in cream cheese until melted, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Fold cooked spaghetti into the mixture, adding reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Layer half the mixture in a greased baking dish, top with half the mozzarella, repeat layering.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired. Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven.