Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: Comfort in a Casserole Dish!
Get ready for the ultimate cozy dinner experience with this incredible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti! This isn’t just any baked pasta; it’s a supremely creamy, cheesy, and saucy casserole that redefines comfort food. Featuring a luscious layer of spaghetti coated in a rich garlic cream cheese sauce, topped with a hearty, flavorful beef and tomato sauce, and crowned with a glorious blanket of melted Parmesan and mozzarella. It’s the perfect dish to gather around the table and indulge in pure satisfaction!
Why This Baked Spaghetti Is a Must-Make
Unbelievably Creamy: The cream cheese creates a smooth, decadent coating for the pasta.
Layered Flavor: Each component contributes to a rich, harmonious taste.
Hearty & Satisfying: A complete meal that fills you up with deliciousness.
Cheesy Perfection: A generous topping of two kinds of melted cheese for that irresistible pull.
Family Favorite: A comforting and universally appealing dish for all ages.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance for easy weeknight cooking.
What You’ll Need
Gather these delightful ingredients to craft your ultimate Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti:
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed, for browning beef)
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or diced, fire-roasted for extra flavor)
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup milk (whole milk recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions: Layer by Layer to Baked Spaghetti Bliss!
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Do not overcook, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Drain the spaghetti well.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Spaghetti Layer:
While the spaghetti is still warm (or immediately after draining), return it to the empty pot.
Add the softened cream cheese, ½ cup milk, 2 cloves minced garlic, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the spaghetti.
Toss vigorously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. Set aside.
3. Make the Hearty Beef Sauce:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease. If needed, add 1 tbsp olive oil before browning.
Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Spread the cream cheese-coated spaghetti evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Pour the hearty beef sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer, spreading it gently to cover all the noodles.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the beef sauce layer.
5. Bake to Bubbly Perfection:
Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the sauce is simmering around the edges. For an extra golden-brown and slightly crispy cheese topping, you can broil for the last 1-3 minutes (watch very carefully!).
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce and cheese to set slightly, making for cleaner scoops.
Serve hot and prepare for pure comfort food bliss! This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread.
Tips for Baked Spaghetti Success
Al Dente Pasta: Don’t overcook your spaghetti. It will finish cooking in the oven, so slightly firm is perfect.
Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature and soft for easy mixing with the warm spaghetti.
Good Quality Tomatoes: Using high-quality crushed tomatoes makes a big difference in the flavor of your sauce. Fire-roasted adds a lovely smoky depth.
Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef minimizes the need to drain excess fat, making the process quicker and cleaner.
Flavor Boosts: A splash of red wine or a dash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor of the beef sauce during simmering.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 30 minutes prior and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Bake completely, cool, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly.
Indulge in this incredibly satisfying Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti – it’s a true casserole of comfort that will bring smiles to everyone at your table!