Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Okay, here we go! Let’s dive into one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes.

I can almost smell it now – that warm, cheesy aroma wafting through the kitchen, the satisfying bubbling of the sauce, and the anticipation of that first, perfect bite. This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just a dish; it’s a memory wrapped in noodles and cheese.

I remember the first time I made this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It was a weeknight, and I was scrambling to get dinner on the table after a particularly chaotic day. The kids were starving, and I needed something quick, easy, and, most importantly, something everyone would actually eat! I stumbled upon a basic recipe online, but as usual, I tweaked it, adding my own little touches.

Now, I’ll be honest, the first attempt wasn’t exactly a masterpiece. I overcooked the spaghetti (rookie mistake!), and the sauce was a little bland. But even then, the creamy, cheesy goodness of the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole shone through. It was comfort food at its finest, and the kids devoured it.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe, learning from my mistakes and adding a few secret ingredients along the way. It’s become a staple in our house, requested for potlucks, family gatherings, and those nights when only pure comfort will do. What makes it so great? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy to throw together. Seriously, even on the busiest of nights, you can have this in the oven in under 30 minutes. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable. You can add your favorite veggies, different kinds of meat, or even spice it up with a little chili flake.

I’ve always believed that cooking should be joyful, not stressful. It’s about creating something delicious and nourishing for the people you love. And this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a perfect example of that. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. My cooking philosophy is rooted in family-friendly meals like this, but I also love to play with flavors, like in my Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken.

So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! I promise, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole will become a family favorite in your house too. You can even think about serving it with something lighter, like my Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich, to make a well-rounded meal.

What You’ll Need for This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:

• 1 pound spaghetti: I usually use regular spaghetti, but you can use whole wheat or even gluten-free if you prefer.
• 1 (15 ounce) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce: I always use a good quality marinara sauce for my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It really makes a difference in the flavor.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s softened! This is key for that creamy, dreamy texture.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a little tang and richness.
• 1/2 cup milk: Helps to thin out the sauce and make it extra creamy.
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained: You can also use ground turkey or even shredded chicken.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that ooey-gooey topping!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For extra flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be afraid to season generously!

When making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, you can often find great deals on pasta and canned tomatoes at your local grocery store. Stock up when they’re on sale! Here’s a Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole trick I learned from my grandma: add a pinch of sugar to the sauce to cut the acidity. Trust me, it works wonders!

For a cost-saving tip, consider buying a larger package of ground beef and freezing it in smaller portions. It’s a great way to save money and always have some on hand for quick meals like this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.

Leftover cream cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for several days, so you can use it in other recipes or spread it on bagels for breakfast.

Let’s Make This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Together

Okay, friend, let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain well. I learned the hard way with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole that overcooked spaghetti will make the casserole mushy, so be sure to cook it al dente.
3. While the spaghetti is cooking, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. I always use a lean ground beef to avoid too much grease in my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
4. In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens! This creates the base for a delicious cream cheese pasta bake.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti and browned meat to the sauce mixture. Toss to coat everything evenly. Don’t worry if your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole looks a little messy at this point; it will all come together in the oven.
6. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness!
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. In my kitchen, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole usually takes about 22 minutes, but oven times can vary. Your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole should smell like cheesy, garlicky heaven.
9. Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to cut and serve.

While the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is cooking, I usually like to throw together a quick salad or steam some vegetables to serve alongside it. It’s a great way to add some extra nutrients to the meal.

How I Love to Serve This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

My family loves this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole when I serve it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread. The salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, and the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. It’s always a hit, and it’s so easy to transport. Friends always ask for this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe whenever I bring it to a party!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley over the top of the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole before serving. It adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness. If you have extra Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, it’s great reheated the next day for lunch. You can also freeze it for later. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted vegetables to the casserole in the fall or winter. Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or even just some diced carrots would be delicious.

This recipe for easy spaghetti casserole is a perfect family meal. It’s one of my favorite ways to prepare cream cheese spaghetti for any event. This is one cheesy spaghetti bake you won’t want to miss!

Your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:

1. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is my go-to for its melty goodness, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. I’ve even used pepper jack for a little kick!

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

You sure can. Assemble the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

3. What if I don’t have sour cream?

No problem! You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. It will add a similar tang and creaminess.

4. Can I add vegetables to this?

Definitely! This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Cooked mushrooms, onions, peppers, or spinach would all be delicious additions. You know what I do when my Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole needs a little extra something? I toss in a can of drained and diced tomatoes.

5. My casserole is too dry. What can I do?

If your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is looking a little dry, you can add a splash of milk or some extra spaghetti sauce to the mixture before baking. That usually does the trick.

6. Can I freeze this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?

Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole, let it cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

7. What can I serve with this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?

As I mentioned earlier, a simple side salad and some garlic bread are always a great choice. But you could also serve it with steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or even a bowl of soup.

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese – Fresh April Flours is another great version of this recipe that you should try.

My Final Thoughts on This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a symbol of family, comfort, and good times shared around the dinner table. It’s a dish that brings people together, and it’s one that I know I’ll be making for years to come. It truly is an easy spaghetti casserole recipe.

My Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Pro Tips:

• Don’t overcook the spaghetti! Aim for al dente.
• Soften the cream cheese completely for a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and vegetables.

Here are a few Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole variations I’ve tried with my family:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flake or some diced jalapeños to the sauce.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add lots of cooked vegetables.
• Chicken: Substitute shredded chicken for the ground beef or Italian sausage.

My son, David, loves the spicy version, while my daughter, Emily, prefers the classic with just mozzarella cheese. And my husband? He’s happy with any version as long as it’s cheesy!

I hope you’ll try this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite ingredients, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!

I hope this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole brings you as much joy as it has brought my family. Happy cooking! Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole – Plain Chicken is a great site for more variations on this recipe.

 

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