Let me tell you, this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a dish that brings a smile to my face every time I make it! There’s something about the creamy cheese melting into the spaghetti, combined with savory ground beef and tangy tomato sauce, that creates a comforting hug in a bowl. I remember the first time I made this for my family; they devoured it in minutes and asked for seconds! The blend of flavors is just incredible—rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole fits the bill perfectly. Trust me, once you taste this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, you’ll want to keep it in your meal rotation forever!
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- 8 ounces spaghetti (uncooked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, for easy mixing)
- 1 cup sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (packed, for a gooey topping)
- 1 pound ground beef (browned and drained, for that hearty flavor)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (for a rich, tangy base)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a savory kick)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (to enhance the flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for seasoning)
How to Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure your casserole bakes evenly!
- While the oven is heating up, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain it well so you don’t end up with a watery casserole.
- Now, grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat—nobody likes a greasy dish!
- Add the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to let those flavors meld.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until smooth—this is where the creaminess magic happens!
- Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, add it to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until the spaghetti is well coated; trust me, it’ll be delicious!
- Now, combine the beef mixture with the spaghetti mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined, making sure every noodle is coated in that savory goodness.
- Transfer this delightful mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t forget to top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese—this will melt beautifully while baking!
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly. Oh, the aroma will be irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy flavor that everyone will adore.
- Hearty and filling, making it great for family gatherings.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup, yay!
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Tips for Success with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
To ensure your baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole turns out perfectly, cook the spaghetti just al dente; it’ll absorb some sauce while baking without getting mushy. For even cheese melting, make sure to spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. If you want an extra crispy topping, broil it for the last few minutes of baking. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before combining everything—flavor is key!
Variations of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
If you want to mix things up, try using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter twist! You can also throw in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to add a pop of color and nutrition. And don’t hesitate to swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is delicious on its own, but pairing it with a fresh side salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread is another fantastic option, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables for a bit of color and crunch. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to elevate your meal!
Storage & Reheating for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
You can store leftovers of this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheat—just make sure to cover them to keep that creamy texture intact!
Nutritional Information for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for a serving of this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
These numbers can help you keep track of your meal planning, but feel free to adjust ingredients for your dietary needs. Enjoy this comforting dish without the guilt!
FAQ about Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily switch out the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or even just load it up with your favorite veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using fresh veggies.
How do I make it ahead of time?
No problem! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. Just blend them well to ensure a smooth consistency, and you’ll still get that creamy texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Your casserole is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. If you want to be extra sure, you can insert a knife in the center; it should come out hot. Enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen while it bakes!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: 2 Secrets to Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a comforting dish that combines creamy cheese with pasta and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions; drain.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef; stir well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture; mix well.
- Combine the beef mixture with the spaghetti mixture; stir until combined.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole
