Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly comforting and surprisingly simple dish! Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked spaghetti, coated in a creamy, dreamy sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This isn’t just another pasta bake; it’s a nostalgic hug in a casserole dish.

While the exact origins of Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole are a bit hazy, its roots lie in the heart of American comfort food. Casseroles, in general, gained immense popularity in the mid-20th century as a convenient and economical way to feed families. They were a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners. This particular variation, with its addition of cream cheese, elevates the classic spaghetti bake to a whole new level of richness and flavor.

What makes this casserole so beloved? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The tender spaghetti, the tangy tomato sauce, and the unbelievably creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese create a symphony of deliciousness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize! Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices to make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck or a comforting meal for a cozy night in, this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. So, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meat Sauce

Okay, let’s start with the heart of this casserole – the meaty, flavorful sauce. This is where we build the foundation of deliciousness, so pay close attention!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it up with a spoon or spatula until it’s crumbled into small pieces. We want it evenly browned, so keep stirring and breaking it up. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic is a flavor killer!
3. Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture. The Italian seasoning adds that classic casserole flavor, and the red pepper flakes give it a little kick if you’re into that.
4. Add the Marinara Sauce: Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a richer, more complex sauce. I usually let mine simmer for about 30 minutes.

Cooking the Spaghetti

While the meat sauce is simmering away, let’s get the spaghetti cooked. This is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tips to keep in mind for perfect pasta.

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so you want the pasta to be firm but not crunchy. Overcooked spaghetti is mushy and nobody likes that.
2. Drain the Spaghetti: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well in a colander. Don’t rinse it unless you’re making a cold pasta salad. We want the starch on the pasta to help the sauce cling to it.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture

Now for the creamy, dreamy part! This is what makes this casserole so special. Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft for easy mixing.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix Until Smooth: Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. A smooth mixture is key for even distribution throughout the casserole.

Assembling the Casserole

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Time to put all the components together and create this masterpiece.

1. Combine Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss well to coat the spaghetti evenly with the creamy sauce. Make sure every strand is covered in that deliciousness!
2. Layer in a Baking Dish: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Add Meat Sauce: Pour half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer. Spread it evenly.
4. Sprinkle with Mozzarella: Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.

Baking the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake this beauty until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

1. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. The top should be lightly golden brown.
2. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set up a bit and makes it easier to slice.
3. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic touch.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this casserole to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onion for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use a vegetarian meat substitute or add more vegetables.
• Add Ricotta: Mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with the cream cheese mixture for an even creamier texture.
• Use Different Pasta: While spaghetti is classic, you can also use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
• Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Serving Suggestions

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious side dishes.
• Dessert: Finish off the meal with a light dessert like fruit salad or a scoop of ice cream.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. The combination of creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors is simply irresistible. The cream cheese adds a richness and tanginess that elevates the dish beyond a typical spaghetti bake. The meat sauce is packed with flavor from the browned ground beef, sautéed aromatics, and Italian seasoning. And the mozzarella cheese on top creates a gooey, melty layer that everyone loves.

This recipe is also relatively easy to make, even for beginner cooks. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. It’s a great dish to make for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a delicious and comforting Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole that your family and friends will rave about!

Conclusion:

This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. From the creamy, tangy sauce to the perfectly baked spaghetti, every bite is a delight. I truly believe this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation, and here’s why: it’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Why You Absolutely Need to Try This Recipe First and foremost, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. The cream cheese adds a richness and tanginess that elevates the classic spaghetti casserole to a whole new level. It’s not overly heavy, but it’s definitely decadent in the best way possible. Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked spaghetti. No more wasted pasta! And finally, it’s incredibly adaptable. You can easily customize it to your liking with different meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice to balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are also excellent accompaniments. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Here are a few variations to inspire your culinary creativity: * Meat Lover’s Delight: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken to the sauce for an extra protein boost. * Veggie Powerhouse: Sauté some mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini and stir them into the sauce for a healthier and more colorful casserole. * Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat. * Cheesy Extravaganza: Use a blend of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan, for an even more flavorful and gooey casserole. * Mexican Fiesta: Substitute the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and add some corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes for a Mexican-inspired twist. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. * Make it Lighter: Use Neufchâtel cheese (reduced-fat cream cheese) and whole wheat spaghetti for a slightly healthier version. You can also add more vegetables to bulk it up and reduce the amount of pasta. Your Turn to Create! I’m so excited for you to try this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe! It’s a dish that I’ve made countless times, and it always brings a smile to my face. I encourage you to get creative with it and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of this delightful Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole! Print