Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: Cheesy, Creamy Heaven!

Craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s pure cheesy bliss? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is your ticket to comfort food heaven! Layers of tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, creamy cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella come together with zesty marinara sauce for a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. At TastyRecipeHub.com, we’re obsessed with hearty, flavorful recipes, and this casserole is a star in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Ready to dive into this cheesy, creamy masterpiece? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a must-make for pasta lovers, offering:

• Irresistible Comfort: Creamy, cheesy layers with savory beef and marinara.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps for all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Ideal for prepping ahead for busy weeknights.
• Shareable: Perfect for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to show off your cheesy creation.

This casserole is a hearty addition to your recipe collection, just like the comforting dishes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 and is baked in a 9×13-inch dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• Salt (for boiling water, about 1 tbsp)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce (choose your favorite brand)
• 1 lb ground beef (lean, 80/20 or 85/15)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
• Large skillet (for ground beef)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and cutting board (for garlic and garnish)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a cheesy, creamy casserole that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
2. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Mix with a spoon or electric mixer until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat using a colander or paper towels.
2. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti and spread gently with a spatula to cover.
3. Pour half of the beef-marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan.
4. Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, remaining cream cheese mixture, remaining sauce, and top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• Family Dinner: Pair with a Caesar salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Potluck Star: Serve straight from the dish for easy sharing at gatherings.
• Weeknight Meal: Add steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced plate.
• Cozy Night In: Enjoy with a glass of red wine, like Chianti, for a comforting evening.

Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!

If this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole has you craving more comforting American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Roll-Ups, Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake, and Creamy Lemon Ricotta Orzo with Chickpeas, all designed for busy cooks who love bold flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and elevate your meals with more crowd-pleasing classics!

Customization Options

• Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat crumbles for a vegetarian option.
• Cheese Variations: Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone or add cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Swap spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced zucchini with the beef.
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Freezer: Assemble the casserole (unbaked) and freeze, wrapped tightly in foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes if needed.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Why This Recipe Shines

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness that make every bite irresistible. Its hearty appeal and ease of preparation make it perfect for busy weeknights or sharing on social media, just like the crowd-pleasing recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook for just $2.99 on Gumroad!

Tips for Success

• Al Dente Pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent a mushy casserole.
• Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set for clean slices.

Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community

Share your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more comforting American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple for just $2.99 on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest or our Facebook Broadcast Channel for daily inspiration.

Enjoy your cheesy, creamy casserole heaven!