Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: 1 delightful dish

Hey there! I’m the cook, taste-tester, and storyteller behind Reciqa. My passion for recipes really started way back in my family kitchen, you know, the one full of those cozy aromas and simple ingredients that somehow always turned into pure magic on the table. That’s exactly the feeling I want to share with you today with this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug, perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something comforting and delicious without all the fuss. Here you’ll find easy, comforting dishes and fresh ideas to inspire your everyday cooking. Let’s share something delicious together!

Why This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Will Become Your Go-To

Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that’s going to make your weeknights so much easier and tastier, you’ve found it! This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a total lifesaver. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, even on a busy Tuesday. Plus, the flavor? Oh my goodness, it’s just so rich and satisfying. You get that perfect blend of savory meat sauce, tender spaghetti, and that dreamy, creamy cheese factor. It’s the kind of meal that everyone in the family, from the littlest ones to the pickiest eaters, will absolutely devour. You’ll love having this in your rotation!

• Super easy to assemble – perfect for busy evenings.
• Incredibly creamy and flavorful with that signature cream cheese goodness.
• A crowd-pleasing dish that’s always a hit.
• Comfort food at its finest!

Simple Ingredients for Delicious Results

The beauty of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is that it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. We’re talking basic, everyday stuff that comes together to make something truly special. That softened cream cheese is the real star here, making everything so wonderfully creamy and smooth. Combined with the hearty meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s just pure comfort in a dish. You really don’t need fancy ingredients to make something this delicious and satisfying for your family!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Alright, let’s get everything ready for our amazing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole! The best part about this dish is how straightforward it is. You won’t need a grocery store run for a million specialty items. Just grab these few things and you’re practically halfway there. Making sure your cream cheese is softened ahead of time is a little trick that makes a HUGE difference in how smoothly everything mixes together, trust me on this one!

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Base

First up, we need our pasta! Grab about 12 ounces of spaghetti – any brand will do. For the sauce, we’re using a big 28-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce. And of course, we need about a pound of lean ground beef to make it hearty. Just drain off any extra grease after you brown it, that’s important!

Creamy Cheese Mixture

This is where the magic happens! You’ll need one 8-ounce package of cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature; it’ll mix in so much better. Then, we’ve got a clove of garlic, minced nice and fine. For flavor, we’re adding 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and just a pinch of garlic salt. That little bit of seasoning really wakes everything up!

Toppings for a Golden Finish

To get that perfect golden-brown, bubbly top, we’ll be using cheese! You’ll need about half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese and half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle them all over the top before it goes into the oven. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Alright, let’s get this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole into the oven! It’s really not complicated at all, and watching it bubble away is half the fun. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.

Preparing the Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While it’s warming up, grab a big pot and get some salted water boiling for your spaghetti. Cook it until it’s tender but still has a little bite – we call that al dente, and it usually takes about 12 minutes. Don’t drain it just yet! Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium-high heat, brown your pound of ground beef. Once it’s all cooked through, drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy casserole! Now, stir in that big jar of spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Combining the Creamy Spaghetti

Okay, now for the creamy magic! Drain your spaghetti really well and plop it right into a big mixing bowl. Add that softened 8-ounce package of cream cheese, your minced garlic clove, the Italian seasoning, and that pinch of garlic salt. Stir it all up until the cream cheese melts and coats every single strand of spaghetti. It should look so luscious and creamy! This is what makes this casserole extra special.

Assembling the Casserole

Time to build this beauty! Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread a thin layer of your meat sauce mixture on the bottom of the pan – this is like a little flavor foundation. Then, carefully spoon in your creamy spaghetti mixture and spread it out evenly. Pour the rest of the meat sauce right over the top, making sure it covers the spaghetti layer completely.

Baking to Perfection

Now for the grand finale – the cheese! Sprinkle that grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake it for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly around the edges and that cheese to be perfectly melted and golden brown. Oh, the smell that will fill your kitchen – it’s divine!

Tips for the Ultimate Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Want to make sure your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few little secrets that really make a difference. It’s all about those small details that elevate a simple dish into something truly spectacular. Don’t worry, these are easy peasy tips that anyone can do!

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture

The absolute key to that super smooth, luscious creaminess in this casserole is making sure your cream cheese is properly softened. Seriously, take it out of the fridge at least an hour before you plan to mix everything. If you forget, you can gently warm it in the microwave for just a few seconds at a time – be careful not to melt it! When it’s soft, it will blend into the hot spaghetti and seasonings like a dream, creating that dreamy, velvety sauce that coats every strand. No one wants lumps of cream cheese in their pasta!

Flavor Enhancements

While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can totally jazz it up if you’re feeling adventurous! Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with your seasonings. If you love garlic, feel free to add another clove or even a dash of garlic powder. Some people like to stir in a little bit of fresh parsley or basil right at the end before baking for a pop of color and freshness. And don’t be afraid to play with the cheese topping – a sprinkle of provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can be delicious too!

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Got questions about our super yummy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole? I totally get it! It’s always good to know a few extra tips and tricks. I’ve answered some common questions here to help make your cooking experience even smoother, so you can get that perfect, comforting casserole every time.

Can I make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Oh yes, absolutely! This is one of those dishes that’s actually *better* when you make it ahead. You can assemble the whole thing, right up to adding the cheese on top, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about a day. When you’re ready to bake it, just let it sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as usual, though it might need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven since it’s starting out cold.

What are good side dishes for this casserole?

This hearty Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but it loves some good company on the plate! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is fantastic to cut through all that creamy richness. Garlic bread is almost a must, right? Or some steamed green beans or broccoli would be lovely too. Anything fresh and a little bit crisp really complements the comforting flavors of the casserole.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Leftovers are the best! Once the casserole has cooled down, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. It should keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or if you have a larger amount, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and warm it in a 325°F (160°C) oven until it’s heated through and bubbly again. Sometimes a little splash of milk or water can help bring back some moisture if it seems a bit dry after chilling.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this incredible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ready to go, you might be wondering what else to put on the table. Honestly, this dish is so satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides really round out the meal perfectly. A big, fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always a winner – it adds a nice crispness that balances the richness of the pasta. And who can resist some warm, garlicky bread for soaking up any extra sauce? Seriously, that’s a must-have! For a bit of green, some lightly steamed broccoli or green beans are also fantastic choices.

Nutritional Estimate for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

While I don’t have exact nutritional information for every single ingredient variation, a typical serving of this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole usually comes in around 450-550 calories. You can expect it to have about 20-25g of fat, a good 25-30g of protein, and roughly 40-50g of carbohydrates. These numbers can shift a bit depending on the specific brands you use for things like the sauce or the type of ground beef, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying! You can find more information on general nutritional guidelines here.

Share Your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Experience

I just love hearing from you all! If you make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, please let me know how it turns out. Drop a comment below, give it a star rating, or even share a pic on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations! Feel free to reach out via our contact page if you have any questions.

Print