🍝🧀 Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti — Comfort in a Casserole Dish 💛
Creamy, cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying! This baked spaghetti features a luscious layer of garlic cream cheese-coated noodles, topped with hearty beef sauce and bubbling melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that brings comfort to any table — perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners.
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
For Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the Pasta Layer:
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
While still warm, stir in the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until the noodles are creamy and fully coated.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the cream cheese spaghetti mixture in the bottom of the dish.
Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get that golden cheese crust!
5. Serve:
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with garlic bread or a crisp side salad. 🍞🥗
🍽️ Tips:
Make it ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Add veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
Switch it up: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.
💬 Final Bite:
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is creamy, cheesy magic in every forkful. It’s one of those comforting, go-to meals the whole family will ask for again and again! 💛