Spaghetti is a beloved comfort food, but when you add creamy cheese and bake it to perfection, it becomes a whole new level of delicious. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe is the perfect blend of cheesy, savory, and hearty goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
Creamy & Cheesy – The addition of cream cheese gives it a rich, velvety texture that perfectly coats the spaghetti.
Great for Leftovers – It reheats beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Customizable – Swap ground beef for sausage or turkey, or add veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for extra flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef
16 ounces spaghetti pasta
28 ounces pasta sauce
8 ounces cream cheese
1 pinch garlic salt
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
Add the pasta sauce to the cooked beef and stir until well combined. Let it simmer on low heat while preparing the spaghetti mixture.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Spaghetti
Place the drained spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the cream cheese, garlic salt, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the spaghetti is well coated and the cream cheese is melted.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Add the creamy spaghetti on top of the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Remaining Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese, over the top.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top, if desired. Enjoy with garlic bread and a side salad!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked cream cheese spaghetti with:
Garlic Bread – The perfect crispy side to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances out the richness.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms add extra nutrition and flavor.
Helpful Tips
✔ Use Whole Milk Cream Cheese – This will give your spaghetti the creamiest texture. ✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since it will bake in the oven, cook it until just al dente. ✔ Customize the Protein – Try ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded chicken. ✔ Storage & Reheating – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15 minutes or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
Can I freeze this baked spaghetti?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover it with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
Final Thoughts
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s an easy dish to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for a gathering, this baked spaghetti will be a hit. Try it today, and let me know how you liked it! 🍽️😋
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