Irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole wafting through the kitchen, like an invitation to gather around the table. Imagine creamy layers of indulgent cheese, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a harmony of flavors that make your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth on chilly nights and dreams of seconds.

This casserole is not just food; it’s a memory-maker. Picture yourself sharing this delightful dish with family on game night or enjoying it during a cozy movie marathon. With every bite, you’ll find yourself transported to a place where laughter and joy are in abundance. The anticipation builds as you pull it from the oven, golden and bubbling, promising an unforgettable flavor experience.

I remember the first time I made this casserole; my friends devoured it in minutes while asking for the recipe between mouthfuls!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Choose a quality brand for better texture and flavor; cook until al dente for the best results.

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for optimal creaminess; let it soften for easier mixing.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and adds richness.

• Ground Beef or Sausage: Browned meat adds savory depth; feel free to use turkey for a lighter option.

• Onion and Garlic: Sautéed onion and garlic lend aromatic sweetness and flavor; don’t skip these essentials.

• Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce enhances both taste and convenience; homemade is always great if time allows.

• Italian Seasoning: Adds an herby punch to your casserole; feel free to adjust based on personal preference.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a delightful salty bite when sprinkled on top before baking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your ingredients. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks later on.

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then remove from heat.

Brown the Meat: In the same skillet, add ground beef or sausage over medium-high heat. Cook until browned well—about 5-7 minutes—and drain excess fat.

Create the Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, sautéed onions, garlic, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth.

Combine Ingredients: Toss cooked spaghetti with the creamy mixture until fully coated—this is where things get deliciously messy! Spread half into your greased baking dish, layer with meat, then top with remaining spaghetti mixture.

Add Toppings: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top before sliding it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Now you’re all set! Serve warm with some garlic bread on the side or maybe even a light salad to balance all that creamy goodness. Enjoy every cheesy bite of this delightful Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, cook your spaghetti first, then prepare the cream cheese mixture while the pasta cooks. Combine everything in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this casserole by adding cooked vegetables, swapping cheeses, or including ground meat for added flavor. Experiment with spices to create your signature dish!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring it stays creamy.

Sharing my first attempt at this dish brings back memories of friends flocking to my kitchen, impressed by how something so simple could taste so good. Their smiles were worth every minute spent cooking!

FAQ

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

Yes, you can assemble it and store it in the fridge before baking.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be excellent substitutes for cream cheese.

How long should I bake the casserole?

Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey. With layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory meat, and rich cream cheese, this casserole is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home, its inviting aroma fills the kitchen and promises an unforgettable meal. Get ready to serve up smiles with every cheesy bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1 lb ground beef or sausage
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté onions in a skillet until translucent, then add minced garlic until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Brown the ground meat in the same skillet and drain excess fat.
5. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, sautéed onions, garlic, and half of the mozzarella until smooth.
6. Combine cooked spaghetti with the creamy mixture and layer half in the baking dish. Add meat layer, top with remaining spaghetti mixture.
7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top; bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg