Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole

introduction

Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti. With its creamy texture, hearty meat, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

why make this recipe

This recipe is loved for its simplicity and the way it combines familiar flavors into a comforting casserole. The creamy cream cheese blends beautifully with the marinara sauce, giving each bite a rich and satisfying taste. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover spaghetti or sauce. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious meal in no time.

how to make Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the meat, and stir to combine.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, cream cheese, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Add the cooked meat to the spaghetti mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
8. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.

how to serve Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole can be served hot right out of the oven. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also offer extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who like a little more cheesy flavor.

how to store Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place servings in the microwave or oven until heated through. If you intend to freeze it, make sure to wrap it well before doing so. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

tips to make Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for more nutrition.
• For a spicier kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat.
• Experiment with different cheese types to customize the flavor.

variation

If you want to switch things up, you can use different types of pasta, such as penne or rotini, instead of spaghetti. You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting the meat with tofu or additional vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Yes, homemade marinara sauce works great in this recipe and can enhance the flavor even more.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: angela
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Meat

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, this creamy casserole combines hearty meat with a cheesy topping, making it a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the meat, and stir to combine.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked spaghetti, cream cheese, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Add the cooked meat to the spaghetti mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
8. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables or substitute different pasta types. Can be made vegetarian by using tofu or extra vegetables instead of meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 55mg