Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and delicious twist on classic spaghetti. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful meat sauce, it’s an easy recipe perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally for deeper flavor if desired.
5. Step 5: While the meat sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter.
7. Step 7: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
8. Step 8: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
10. Step 10: Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
11. Step 11: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer and spread evenly.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
13. Step 13: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
14. Step 14: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
15. Step 15: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh basil or oregano to the meat sauce while it simmers.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different protein option.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat but keep it gooey and melty.
• For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding mushrooms or zucchini instead.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute ricotta cheese or cottage cheese blended until smooth, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked pasta dish featuring layers of creamy cream cheese-coated spaghetti, savory ground beef tomato sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This hearty casserole combines classic Italian-inspired flavors with a creamy twist, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese Mixture

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (included above)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (included above)
• 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor.
5. Cook spaghetti: Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Make cream cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth.
7. Add Parmesan and milk: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and milk until creamy and well blended.
8. Season cream cheese mix: Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Toss spaghetti: Add cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
10. Layer casserole (first layer): Pour half of the coated spaghetti into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
11. Add meat sauce layer: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer, spreading evenly.
12. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese: Scatter half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce.
13. Repeat layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
14. Bake casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
15. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, simmer the meat sauce longer than 15 minutes if desired.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and cheeses to reduce fat content if preferred.
• Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, baked pasta casserole, ground beef spaghetti, easy dinner recipe, cheesy spaghetti bake