If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles enveloped in a luscious cream cheese mixture, layered with hearty, savory meat sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying without fuss. This recipe brings together simple ingredients into a dish that bursts with flavor and creamy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from adding rich creaminess and savory depth to bright flavors and the perfect cheesy finish. Let’s break down the essentials that come together simply yet brilliantly.
- 1 pound spaghetti: The hearty base that holds all the creamy and meaty flavors together beautifully.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides the signature creamy texture that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps create that smooth, velvety sauce coating the pasta.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps thin the cream cheese mixture just enough for easy tossing without losing creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers gentle, warm garlicky notes that enhance the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and elevate every layer.
- 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce: The tomato base that makes the meat sauce lush and tangy.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds savory, meaty substance and pairs wonderfully with the tomato sauce.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Gives sweetness and flavor depth once cooked down.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Adds subtle crunch and fresh brightness to the sauce.
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained: Brings a little zing and extra tomato goodness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the meat sauce with classic herb flavors.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, bubbly topping that finishes the casserole perfectly.
How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart to ensure even cooking. Once the beef is browned, drain off any extra grease to keep the sauce from being too oily. Then add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until tender and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes with green chilies along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer to deepen the flavors. The longer you simmer, the richer your meat sauce will taste, so be patient here!
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until it’s just al dente. Properly cooked pasta gives the casserole the ideal texture — soft but still with a slight bite to hold up under the creamy layers. Drain it well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Add grated Parmesan cheese and milk, stirring until perfectly combined. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This creamy sauce is the magic component that makes every forkful so luscious and comforting.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Toss the cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture, coating each strand evenly with that luxurious sauce. Then it’s time to build your casserole! Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon half of the meat sauce on top, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers one more time so every bite has the perfect balance of cheesy, creamy, and meaty flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden bubbly blanket. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps everything set and makes serving easier. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really elevate this creamy casserole. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a silky finish and hints at Mediterranean flair. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes makes a brilliant contrast to the rich cream cheese layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad lightens the meal perfectly. Try a simple Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic companions, soaking up any extra sauce and adding that delightful crunch to your dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or muffin tins to create personal portions with golden, cheesy tops. Layering the casserole into colorful ceramic dishes or even a rustic cast-iron skillet can make the meal feel extra special and homey. Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan at the last moment right before serving for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. This creamy, cheesy dish holds well for up to 3 days without losing its rich texture or flavor. Simply reheat gently to enjoy those comforting tastes all over again.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It keeps for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking (if frozen unbaked) or reheating (if frozen baked).
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions, but covering the dish helps prevent the top from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, penne, rotini, or rigatoni all work wonderfully since they hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a hearty meat-free version that still delivers on flavor and texture.
What’s the best type of cream cheese to use?
Classic full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy, rich texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to blend smoothly with the melted butter and cheese for the perfect sauce consistency.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh just before serving for the best cheesy, bubbly top and warmed-through layers.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
Add extra diced green chilies, a dash of chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. You can also mix a spicy marinara sauce to up the heat while keeping that creamy, cheesy balance.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a cherished secret—simple ingredients transforming into something so warm, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy family dinner, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy this creamy casserole brings!
Print
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked pasta dish featuring layers of cheesy spaghetti and a savory ground beef sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines tender spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese mixture with a flavorful tomato-based meat sauce, baked to golden bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
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 from above)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (included from above)
- 1 (24 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: 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 to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.
- Simmer Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and melted butter. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add Parmesan and Milk: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and milk, stirring to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Season Cream Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed for balance.
- Combine Spaghetti and Cream Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture, tossing gently to coat all strands evenly.
- First Layer: Pour half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the layer out evenly.
- First Sauce Layer: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer, spreading it evenly.
- First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set and improve flavor integration.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or oregano into the meat sauce.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of green chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese varieties to lower calories without compromising much on flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bake it fresh when ready to serve.
