Quick & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese

Name: Quick & Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Spaghetti; Cream cheese; Marinara sauce; Ground beef or sausage; Mozzarella cheese; Parmesan cheese; Garlic; Onion; Olive oil; Salt and pepper

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 23, 2025

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When it comes to classic comfort food, nothing beats a rich, cheesy, and indulgent baked spaghetti casserole. This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese takes traditional spaghetti to the next level by adding a creamy, tangy layer of cream cheese that perfectly balances the flavors of the marinara and hearty meat sauce. The result? A golden, bubbly, and ultra-satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep, this casserole is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or seasonings, this dish delivers warm, comforting flavors in every bite.

Why This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Stands Out

1. The Perfect Balance of Creamy and Savory

Most spaghetti casseroles are either too dry or too saucy, but this recipe achieves the perfect texture by blending spaghetti with softened cream cheese before layering it with a rich, savory meat sauce. The cream cheese adds a luxurious creaminess that helps bind the pasta together, making every bite incredibly smooth and indulgent.

2. Melty, Gooey Cheese on Top

The final layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates a crispy, golden-brown topping that gives this dish its irresistible appeal. The combination of gooey, stretchy cheese with a hint of nutty Parmesan makes it even more satisfying.

3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Despite its rich and layered taste, this dish is made with pantry staples like pasta, marinara sauce, ground meat, garlic, and cheese. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something amazing.

4. Customizable for Any Taste

This baked spaghetti casserole is highly adaptable, so you can modify it based on what you have on hand. Some easy customizations include:

Using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Making it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep & Freezing

This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream. It can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the fridge, or even frozen for later. Simply bake when ready, and you have a delicious homemade meal without the hassle.

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Sauce

Spaghetti – 12 oz
Ground beef or sausage – 1 lb
Marinara sauce – 3 cups
Onion (diced) – 1 small
Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Salt & black pepper – To taste

For the Creamy Layer

Cream cheese (softened) – 8 oz
Parmesan cheese (grated) – ½ cup

For the Topping

Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups

Directions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet.
Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Stir in cooked spaghetti until well coated.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the spaghetti mixture, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.
Repeat the layers and top with shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 1 Cup Serving Size)

Calories: 450
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 750mg

The Secret to Making the Best Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Even though this dish is incredibly easy to make, a few key techniques will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

1. Cook the Spaghetti Just Right

Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole, while undercooked pasta won’t absorb the sauce properly. The trick is to cook the spaghetti until just al dente, so it holds its structure while baking.

2. Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce

Since marinara sauce is one of the main components, using a good-quality sauce makes a huge difference. Look for a sauce with minimal sugar and rich tomato flavor. If you have extra time, making your own homemade marinara with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs will elevate the dish even more.

3. Mix the Cream Cheese While It’s Soft

Softening the cream cheese before mixing ensures a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps. If your cream cheese is too firm, you can microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to stir.

4. Let the Casserole Rest Before Serving

After baking, let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld, making it easier to serve.

Delicious Variations to Try

If you love getting creative in the kitchen, here are some delicious ways to customize your baked spaghetti casserole:

1. Spicy Italian Baked Spaghetti

Use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
Mix in chopped bell peppers and onions for added texture.

2. Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti

Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Substitute marinara with roasted tomato and garlic sauce for a deeper flavor.
Use a blend of mozzarella and ricotta instead of cream cheese.

3. Tex-Mex Style Spaghetti Casserole

Swap marinara sauce for enchilada sauce or salsa.
Use ground beef seasoned with taco spices.
Top with pepper jack cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro.

4. Extra-Cheesy Three-Cheese Baked Spaghetti

Instead of just mozzarella and Parmesan, add cheddar and provolone for a richer cheese blend.
Stir a bit of heavy cream into the sauce for extra richness.

5. Gluten-Free Baked Spaghetti

Use gluten-free spaghetti and make sure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko if you like an extra crispy top.

What to Serve with Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Since this dish is rich and cheesy, pairing it with lighter sides creates a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Salads

Classic Caesar Salad – The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing complement the creamy pasta.
Arugula & Parmesan Salad – A peppery, lemony salad cuts through the richness.

2. Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

A slice of buttery, crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts bring a great contrast in texture.

4. A Light Soup

A bowl of tomato basil soup or vegetable broth-based soup pairs well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just pop it in the oven—no extra steps needed.

2. Can I Freeze Baked Spaghetti Casserole?

Absolutely! To freeze:

Before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
After baking: Let it cool completely, then portion into airtight containers and freeze. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

3. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

4. Can I Use a Different Pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is classic, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work just as well.

5. How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?

Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
Swap ground turkey for beef.
Add more vegetables like spinach, carrots, or mushrooms.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Baked Spaghetti Casserole

This Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in one hearty dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, making a meal for guests, or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every time.

So next time you need a foolproof dinner idea, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy a warm, bubbly plate of baked spaghetti goodness!