If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness and classic Italian flavors, this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti enveloped in a luscious cream cheese mixture, layered with savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with golden, melted mozzarella cheese. This casserole is not only delicious and satisfying but also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it the perfect meal for family dinners or potlucks. Let me take you through every step of creating this delightful dish, one that combines simplicity with irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you — these simple pantry staples come together beautifully to build a dish that’s packed with flavor, texture, and just the right balance of creaminess and tang. Each item plays a crucial role in making this casserole truly special and satisfying.
- 1 pound spaghetti: Provides the classic pasta base that holds all the creamy and savory layers perfectly.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds the rich, velvety texture that makes this casserole uniquely luscious.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Helps meld the cream cheese mixture into a smooth, luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the cream cheese blend for a silky sauce consistency.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce: Serves as the savory, tangy tomato base for the meat sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides heartiness and depth, making this casserole a filling meal.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and texture to the meat sauce.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Contributes a fresh crunch and subtle earthiness.
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: Introduces a tangy, slightly spicy element that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean herbs for authentic flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Tops the casserole with that irresistible gooey, golden cheese layer everyone loves.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it up so it cooks evenly and crumbles beautifully. Once browned, make sure to drain off excess grease to keep the sauce from getting oily. Then add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until they soften and release their natural sweetness, about 5 to 7 minutes. This forms an aromatic base for your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Next, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies for that perfect balance of acidity and mild heat, followed by the jar of spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes—longer if you have the time—as this allows the flavors to deepen and blend into a rich, hearty sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook your spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. It’s important not to overcook here because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain it well to avoid any excess water that could make the casserole soggy.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and milk, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and well blended. Finally, season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. This creamy blend is what makes this casserole stand out from your usual pasta bake.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Gently toss the cooked spaghetti in the cream cheese mixture, ensuring every strand is coated with that luscious sauce. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta layer, spreading it out smoothly. Generously sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese, creating a beautifully layered casserole ready to bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and just beginning to turn golden brown. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle—this rest time is key to slicing perfect, beautiful servings.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top right before serving. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette are also fantastic companions that soak up any leftover sauce deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small ovenproof dishes so everyone can enjoy their own personal portion. Alternatively, sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top before broiling for a bubbly, golden crust that is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a day, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it—cover it well with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding some extra baking time until heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm an entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through. A splash of milk or a little extra mozzarella can help revive the creamy texture and cheesy goodness during reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. You can also use plant-based ground meat substitutes to keep it hearty and delicious.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Regular full-fat cream cheese is best as it melts smoothly and adds rich flavor. Avoid flavored or whipped varieties as they can alter the texture and taste of the sauce.
Can I use a different pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional here, feel free to swap it for other long pastas like fettuccine or linguine, or even short pasta shapes like penne for a different texture experience.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your spaghetti sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free. This way you can enjoy all the creamy, cheesy comfort without gluten concerns.
How spicy is this casserole?
The casserole has a gentle kick from the green chilies in the diced tomatoes, but it’s mild overall. You can adjust the heat by adding more chilies or crushed red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely heartwarming about a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies, and this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe does exactly that. It’s creamy, comforting, simple to put together, and loaded with flavor that satisfies both kids and adults alike. Next time you’re wondering what to cook that feels like a warm hug on a plate, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked pasta dish combining creamy, cheesy spaghetti with savory ground beef and vegetable meat sauce layers, topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (included above)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (included above)
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook them together until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes, to develop flavor and texture.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (with liquid), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Longer simmering will deepen the flavor.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meat sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Parmesan and Milk: Stir grated Parmesan cheese and milk into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Season Cream Cheese Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Toss Spaghetti in Cream Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
- Layer Spaghetti – First Layer: Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly to form the first layer.
- Layer Meat Sauce – First Layer: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle Mozzarella – First Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese to create a second layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Cooking the meat sauce longer will enhance the flavor, so simmer up to 30 minutes if time allows.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor in the cream cheese mixture.
- Allow the casserole to rest before serving to help it firm up and make serving easier.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
