Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Posted on

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole – Easy Comfort Food for Dinner Ideas

Dinner

Looking for dinner ideas that are hearty, comforting, and sure to please the whole family? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole hits all the right notes! It’s cheesy, creamy, rich in flavor, and incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and Cheesy: A delicious twist on classic spaghetti with layers of flavor.

  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Freezes and reheats well.

  • Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.

  • Budget-Friendly Dinner Idea: Uses everyday ingredients without compromising taste.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this crave-worthy casserole:

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti noodles

  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp dried basil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce

the Cream Cheese Mixture:

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • ¼ cup ricotta or cottage cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

the Topping:

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Large pot for boiling spaghetti

  • Colander for draining pasta

  • Large skillet or sauté pan for the meat sauce

  • Mixing bowls

  • 9×13 inch baking dish

  • Spatula or wooden spoon

  • Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.

2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Tip: Do not overcook the pasta since it will continue to cook while baking.

3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.

Add diced onions and cook for another 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Season with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and let simmer for 10 minutes.

4: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta (or cottage cheese), Parmesan, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and creamy.

5: Combine Pasta with Cream Cheese Layer

Toss the drained spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until the noodles are well coated and creamy.

6: Assemble the Casserole

In your prepared baking dish:

  1. Spread half of the spaghetti mixture on the bottom.

  2. Pour half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.

  3. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and top with the rest of the meat sauce.

  4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan over the top.

7: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8: Let it Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Helpful Tips for Success

  • Soften the Cream Cheese: Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes for easier mixing.

  • Add Vegetables: Sneak in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

  • Make it Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

  • Freezer Friendly: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

  • Double the Batch: Great for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with:

  • A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

  • Garlic bread or a warm baguette

  • Steamed or roasted vegetables

Looking for more dinner ideas to round out your menu? Serve with a cozy soup like tomato basil or creamy broccoli for a well-balanced meal.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Serves 8

  • Calories: 470

  • Protein: 26g

  • Carbohydrates: 39g

  • Fat: 24g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

  • Cholesterol: 70mg

  • Sodium: 620mg

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugars: 5g

Note: Nutrition values vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size.

Final Thoughts – The Ultimate Comfort Food for Dinner Ideas

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bubbling, cheesy baked pasta dish fresh out of the oven. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is rich, creamy, and full of flavor – exactly what you need when looking for cozy dinner ideas that don’t take hours to make. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a warm family Sunday meal.

Tags:

Recommended