Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole 2: Comfort Awaits

Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole 2: Comfort Awaits
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

oktober 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you why baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, combining the delightful creaminess of cream cheese with the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef and melty cheese. The moment you pull it out of the oven, the aroma fills your kitchen and makes your mouth water. Plus, it’s such a simple dish to whip up, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a beloved staple in your home too!

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb ground beef
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Preheat and Cook Spaghetti

First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s happening, grab your spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it firm enough to hold its shape when we mix it with all the other delicious ingredients later. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set it aside for now. Don’t worry if it sticks a little; we’ll be mixing in the creamy goodness soon!

Sauté Vegetables and Brown Beef

Next up, let’s get those flavors going! In a large skillet, add a splash of oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they’re soft and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes. Oh, that smell is heavenly! Now, add in the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nice and browned, be sure to drain any excess fat. This helps keep the casserole from being too greasy!

Combine Ingredients

Alright, time for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese. Stir it all together until the spaghetti is coated in that creamy goodness. Then, add the cooked beef mixture along with the marinara sauce, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until it’s well combined—trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in!

Transfer and Bake

Now, carefully transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top—oh boy, this is where the magic happens! Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden. When you pull it out, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your kitchen will smell divine, and I promise, everyone will be gathering around the table to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Perfect for busy weeknights with a quick prep time of just 15 minutes.
The creamy blend of cream cheese and melted mozzarella creates a deliciously rich texture.
It’s a one-dish wonder, making clean-up a breeze!
Packed with savory flavors from the seasoned beef and marinara sauce, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you’ll have tasty meals ready to go!

Tips for Success

Here are a few of my favorite tips to make your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole even more delicious! First, if you’re looking to lighten things up, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef—it’s just as tasty! You can also sneak in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. If you want a bit of a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. And don’t forget to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps everything set up nicely and makes for easier serving. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional data for each serving of this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of fat, 18g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on specific ingredients used, so consider this a rough guide as you enjoy this comforting dish!

FAQ Section

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

What if I don’t have cream cheese? No worries! If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or even cottage cheese for a different texture. Just blend it a bit to smooth it out before mixing!

Can I add vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic for the best results.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! You can freeze it before baking. Just cover it tightly and it should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of this delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is super easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and pop the casserole in for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you’ve got a microwave handy, you can reheat individual portions, but I recommend the oven for the best texture. Trust me, it’ll taste just as amazing the second time around!