This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a cozy comfort dish that’s loaded with creamy goodness. Who can resist cheesy pasta baked until bubbly?
The mix of cream cheese and spaghetti is a match made in heaven! I love serving this with garlic bread on the side—perfect for soaking up all that cheesy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Standard spaghetti works great here, but you can swap in gluten-free pasta or penne for a different twist!
Ground Beef/Turkey: I usually use ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey is a healthier alternative. You can even go vegetarian by using quinoa or lentils!
Spaghetti Sauce: A jar of store-bought marinara is super convenient. If you’re up for it, homemade sauce adds a lovely personal touch! Consider using marinara, tomato basil, or even mixed sauces.
Cream Cheese: This is key for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese or use cashew cream as a substitute.
Cheeses: I love the combo of mozzarella and cheddar, but you could try pepper jack for a kick or even goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic properly can make or break the flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium. Too hot can burn the garlic!
- Add onions first, cooking until they’re soft and translucent (2-3 minutes).
- Add garlic last, cooking for just a minute until fragrant. Burnt garlic becomes bitter, so keep an eye on it!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce (marinara or your favorite)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Time Estimate:
This delicious casserole will take about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, with an additional 5 minutes of resting time before serving. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain it in a colander and set aside.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onions are translucent and fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook it well, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned. If there’s a lot of excess fat, be sure to drain it off.
5. Combine the Sauce:
Stir in the spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to blend those flavors nicely before taking it off the heat.
6. Mix the Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce and softened cream cheese. Mix it well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture looks creamy.
7. Spread into Casserole Dish:
Transfer the cheesy spaghetti mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Add the Cheese:
Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. If you love cheese, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan too!
9. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly—just perfect!
10. Let it Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, give it about 5 minutes to cool slightly before you dig in.
11. Garnish and Serve:
For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley or basil if you like. Now you’re ready to serve this creamy, cheesy spaghetti casserole—enjoy!
This dish is delightful for family dinners or potlucks and is sure to become a favorite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you use.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this casserole vegetarian, replace the ground beef or turkey with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, or even cooked lentils for added protein. You can also use a meat-free spaghetti sauce for the perfect flavor!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore some creaminess!
