This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It combines tender spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef, tangy marinara sauce, and velvety cream cheese for a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks, this casserole is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add spaghetti and salt, cooking until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat and stir in spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let It Rest & Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor.
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Would you like variations or additional serving suggestions? 😊