Nothing beats a warm dish that makes your kitchen smell so gοod , and still feeds the whole gang . Baked creаm chеese Spaghetti Cassеrolе is just that . It mixes pasta , meаt and chеese in a big bake pan . You just toss it in the oven and wait .
These one-dish meals are super easy to throw together and work great for family nights or potlucks . The creаmy layers of chеese , tangy tomato sauce , and tender spaghetti make everyone happy and full . Plus you can switch up the meat or veggies so no one ever gets bored .
History of Spaghetti Cassеrolе
Spaghetti cassеrolе first popped up in mid-1900s America when busy families wanted quick meals . Back then people wanted to bake pasta , sauce , meat and chеese all in one pan so they didn’t need to cook lots of pots . By the 1950s and ’60s , these bakes were everywhere because you could make them ahead and feed a crowd .
As cooks tried new flavors , they started adding layers of veggies , different meats , and even creаm chеese . That soft chеese gave the dish a richer taste and smoother texture , without taking over the whole meal . Soon it became a go-to for weeknight dinners and parties .
Ingredients List for Baked Creаm Chеese Spaghetti Cassеrolе
Gather these items before you start :
- Pasta: 8 oz spaghetti
- Creаm chеese: 8 oz , soft
- Sauce: 15 oz tomato sauce and 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- Protein: 1 lb ground beef , turkey , or sausage
- Veggies: 1 chopped onion , 1 chopped bell pepper , 2 cloves minced garlic
- Chеese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella , ½ cup grated parmesan
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning , salt , pepper
- Topping: fresh parsley (optional)
You can also add mushrooms , spinach , or other veggies you like . Swap meats or try turkey sausage for a lighter take .
Detailed Recipe for Baked Creаm Chеese Spaghetti Cassеrolе
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30–40 minutes
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Cook spaghetti per package directions , drain and set aside .
- In a skillet , brown the meat with onion , bell pepper , and garlic until meat is done .
- Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes . Let simmer 10 minutes so flavors blend .
- Mix in creаm chеese until sauce is smooth and creamy .
- Fold the spaghetti and half the mozzarella into the sauce .
- Pour mix into a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan .
- Bake 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden .
- Let rest a few minutes , then garnish with parsley and serve hot .
Serving Suggestions
Try a green salad or garlic bread on the side . The bread soaks up any extra sauce perfectly .
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about :
- Calories: 500–600
- Fat: 25–30g
- Carbs: 50–60g
- Protein: 25–30g
Variations
Vegetarian Option
Skip the meat and use lentils or mushrooms instead . You can even try zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist .
Gluten-Free Option
Pick any gluten-free pasta and follow the same steps .
Creamy Spinach Addition
Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach while sauce simmers until wilted . It adds color and nutrients .
Spicy Twist
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mix for a kick .
Tips for the Perfect Cassеrolе
- Use good-quality pasta and fresh veggies .
- Prep ahead by assembling in dish and refrigerating before baking .
- Layer ingredients well so every bite has pasta , meat and chеese .
- Watch last few minutes so top doesn’t burn .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta — cook it al dente since it bakes more later .
- Using cold creаm chеese — soft lets it stir in smooth .
- Skipping rest time — let it settle so it cuts cleaner .
- Not tasting sauce — season as you go so it’s never bland .
FAQs
What can replace creаm chеese here?
Try ricotta , Greek yogurt , or cashew cream for dairy-free .
Can I make it ahead?
Yes , assemble and cover then refrigerate until baking .
How to reheat leftovers?
Warm in oven or microwave with foil on top in oven to keep moisture .
Can I freeze it?
Sure — freeze before or after baking . Thaw in fridge overnight and bake or reheat .
Other cheese ideas?
Cheddar , gouda , provolone — pick your fav to switch the taste .
Conclusion
Baked creаm chеese Spaghetti Cassеrolе brings simple comfort and big flavor to your table . It’s perfect for busy nights , parties , or whenever you need a warm hug on a plate . Don’t be shy to add your own spin and watch everyone dig in .
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 spoon for mixing
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain using a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy mixture. Stir gently until the spaghetti is evenly coated.
- In another bowl, mix the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Layer half of the spaghetti mixture in the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the marinara sauce mixture over the top.
- Add the remaining spaghetti mixture and finish with the rest of the marinara sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
