Looking for a comfort food dish that will wow your guests and become a household favorite? Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the answer!
This crowd-pleasing recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare ahead of time—just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this casserole is sure to impress.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for any gathering. Its creamy texture and rich flavor will make it a standout dish at family dinners, parties, or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 Ib lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook the Beef:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, draining any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and set aside.
- Prepare Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. After draining, mix it with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic in a large mixing bowl.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading a small layer of meat sauce at the bottom. Top it with the creamy spaghetti mixture, then cover with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, along with tips and serving tricks to elevate your dish.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: Tips & Serving Tricks
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that combines spaghetti, marinara sauce, ground meat, and a rich layer of cream cheese for a comforting meal. To make it even more delicious, follow these tips and tricks!Tips for the Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
1. Cook the Spaghetti Al Dente
- Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, boil it for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions (usually around 8 minutes). This prevents mushy pasta after baking.
2. Use a High-Quality Marinara Sauce
- A flavorful marinara sauce makes a big difference. You can use store-bought sauce but enhance it with garlic, basil, and Italian seasoning for a homemade taste.
3. Add a Protein for More Flavor
- Brown ground beef, sausage, or turkey with onions and garlic before mixing it with the marinara sauce. This adds depth and texture to your casserole.
4. Blend the Cream Cheese Well
- Mix the softened cream cheese with a little milk or sour cream to create a smooth, spreadable texture. This ensures even distribution throughout the casserole.
5. Layering for the Best Texture
- Instead of just mixing everything together, layer your casserole:
- Bottom layer: Spaghetti
- Middle layer: Cream cheese mixture
- Top layer: Meat sauce
- Final touch: Shredded cheese
- This method prevents a soggy consistency and keeps the layers distinct.
6. Don’t Skimp on Cheese
- For an extra gooey and delicious casserole, use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. The mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor.
7. Let It Rest Before Serving
- Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Serving Tricks to Impress
1. Garnish for a Restaurant-Quality Look
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving. It adds color and freshness.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra depth.
2. Serve with the Perfect Side Dishes
- Pair the casserole with:
- Garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Caesar salad – A crisp, refreshing balance to the rich dish.
- Roasted vegetables – Such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for added nutrition.
3. Make It a Crowd-Pleasing Party Dish
- For serving at parties, bake it in a large aluminum tray for easy portioning.
- Provide extra toppings like red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil so guests can customize their servings.
4. Prep Ahead & Freezing Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
