Creamy Baked Spaghetti Dish

 This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole transforms ordinary pasta night into something extraordinary. The combination of tender spaghetti coated in creamy, garlicky cheese and topped with savory meat sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It's a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Requires simple pantry staples you likely already have
• Perfect for meal prep and can be assembled ahead of time
• Creates enough to feed a crowd or provide delicious leftovers
• Combines the best elements of pasta and casserole in one dish

I first made this when looking for a way to elevate my regular spaghetti night. My family was immediately hooked, and now it's requested almost weekly. The cream cheese creates a silky texture that takes this dish from ordinary to restaurant quality.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti: The foundation of our dish. Choose a quality brand that holds its shape when baked.
• 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein. The leaner the beef, the less fat you'll need to drain.
• 28 ounce jar spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for the best flavor profile.
• 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened: The secret ingredient that transforms this dish. Make sure it's completely softened for easy mixing.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth that garlic powder cannot match.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This herb blend enhances the Italian flavor profile. Look for one with basil, oregano, and thyme.
• 1 pinch garlic salt: Adds both flavor and seasoning. Use sparingly to avoid oversalting.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty dimension. Freshly grated melts more beautifully than pre-packaged.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible cheese pull. A whole milk mozzarella offers the best melt and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Space:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This preparation ensures your casserole won't stick and will cook evenly throughout. Be thorough with greasing especially around the corners where cheese tends to cling.

Cook The Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, usually about 12 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping it slightly firm now prevents mushiness later.

Prepare The Meat Sauce:

While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. This should take 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat thoroughly, then stir in the entire jar of spaghetti sauce until combined and heated through.

Create The Cream Cheese Mixture:

Drain the cooked spaghetti well and return it to its pot. Immediately add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. The residual heat will help melt the cream cheese as you stir. Continue mixing until every strand is coated in the creamy mixture and no cream cheese lumps remain.

Assemble The Casserole:

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This prevents the pasta from sticking and adds flavor to every bite. Add the cream cheese coated spaghetti in an even layer, then pour the remaining meat sauce over the top, spreading to cover completely. The layering creates distinct textures in each bite.

Add The Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce, followed by an even layer of mozzarella. The combination of these cheeses creates the perfect golden, bubbly crust that makes this casserole irresistible.

Bake To Bubbly Perfection:

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top has melted completely and begun to turn golden in spots. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set up slightly.

You Must Know

• High in protein with 16g per serving
• Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings

The cream cheese is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic when trying to use up some leftover cream cheese in my refrigerator one night. My daughter declared it was the best spaghetti she had ever tasted, and I have to agree. The silky texture it creates coats every strand of pasta with rich, creamy goodness that elevates this from an everyday meal to something special.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prepare it entirely the day before. Simply assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes since you're starting with a cold casserole.

Freezing and Storage

After cooking, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Portion completely cooled leftovers into individual servings for quick lunches, or freeze the entire unbaked casserole for future meals. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and use within 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Try substituting ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef. Vegetarians can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. For extra nutrition, mix in a package of frozen spinach that has been thawed and thoroughly drained. You can also experiment with different cheeses like provolone or white cheddar for the topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread is a natural pairing and perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, add roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli on the side. A glass of medium bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors beautifully if serving to adults.

Pro Tips

• Allow cream cheese to fully soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture
• Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water to add to the cream cheese mixture if it seems too thick
• Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other types of long pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, to suit your preference.

→ Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you're ready to serve.

→ What Can I Use As A Substitute For Cream Cheese?

You can try using mascarpone or a ricotta cheese mixture for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

→ Can I Add More Vegetables To The Dish?

Yes, adding veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce can be a great way to enhance flavor and nutrition.

→ What Is The Best Way To Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave to enjoy.

→ Can I Make This Casserole Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure any additional ingredients, like the sauce, are gluten-free as well.