Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese

Spaghetti Casserole with cream cheese or also known as a Million Dollar Spaghetti is one recipe you have to try.

This is a spaghetti pasta recipe that is paired with pasta sauce, cream cheese, ground beef, and of course more cheese. Bake and serve up this decadent pasta for dinner or lunch.

The cream cheese creates this incredible richness to the pasta dish that truly gives this recipe that stand-out flavor.

The best part of all, the prep is simple and the ingredients are some that you might already have on hand.

So if you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner option, give this Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese a try!

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What do I love about this recipe?

• Easy To Make
• Creamy
• Cheesy
• Made with Simple Ingredients
• Family Friendly Dinner
• Budget Approved

You will find this is a lot more flavorful than a classic spaghetti recipe.

What is the difference between baked pasta and normal pasta?

Baked pasta is where you assemble it, and then pour it into a casserole pan and bake. Classic pasta is you would mix it up in a pan and then serve right away.

Can I add/remove/substitute ingredients?

Absolutely! Go right ahead and change up the ingredients you want or swap with your preferred ingredients. When it comes to cooking this spaghetti casserole you will find you have a ton of ways to change up the flavor.

Tips

• If the pasta becomes dry add more sauce or even water or stock when baking to add more moisture.
• Use softened cream cheese so it truly blends well with the pasta.
• The spaghetti noodles need to be al dente, as they will cook longer in the oven. This prevents them from becoming mushy.

Ingredients:

• Garlic salt
• Ground beef
• Minced garlic
• Spaghetti noodles
• Italian seasoning
• Pasta sauce
• Parmesan cheese grated
• Cream cheese softened
• Mozzarella cheese shredded

How to make Spaghetti Casserole with Cream Cheese:

Step 1. Add the spaghetti to boiling water, and cook until al dente. Drain well. 

Step 2. Heat the oven to 350 degrees, and grease a 9×13 baking dish well. 

Step 3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, and drain the excess grease. 

Step 4. Reduce the heat, and stir in the pasta sauce. Set aside. 

Step 5. Add the hot spaghetti to a large mixing bowl with the cream cheese, minced garlic, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine until the cheese has melted. 

Step 6. Layer some of the meat sauce in the baking dish. 

Step 7. Top with spaghetti. 

Step 8. Add the remaining sauce to the top of the spaghetti. 

Step 9. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Then, add the Mozzarella cheese. 

Step 10. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.

THANKS FOR PINING!

Do you need some bread with your spaghetti?

Bread is totally optional. But it is a great side dish as it can lather up any leftover sauce on your plate so you can enjoy all the flavors of the dish.

Consider serving the spaghetti with this cheesy garlic bread. They will pair nicely together.

How do you make spaghetti taste more flavorful?

Adding in extra ingredients like herbs, spices, and of course cheese is going to elevate the recipe. You will find this is a very rich and creamy recipe due to all the additional ingredients added in.

Gluten-Free Version

If you want to make a gluten-free version of this loaded spaghetti, simply reach for gluten-free pasta. You will cook as directed on the back of the box.

Do you have to defrost frozen pasta bake?

If you froze leftover pasta bake simply cover it with foil and place in the oven at 350-375. Then bake covered for 30 minutes from frozen. Then uncover the dish and finish cooking until the pasta is warmed all the way through.

Do I need to cover my baked ziti in the oven?

You do not have to cover your baked ziti in the oven. Now depending on the recipe you are following then you might if it says too.

But in general, you want the pasta and cheese to bake fully and get a nice golden color on the outside.

Variations

• Use a different type of pasta for this recipe. Rigatoni, penne, etc.
• Instead of pasta sauce swap with marinara sauce.
• Use Ricotta cheese to mix with pasta instead of cream cheese.
• Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

How to store this recipe?

If you have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You will want to store it for up to three days.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti with cream cheese?

Go right ahead and freeze the baked spaghetti with cream cheese if you would like. Just place in a freezer-friendly container and freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or reheat straight from being frozen in the oven.

Does this dish reheat well?

You will find the pasta recipe does reheat well. The only thing is at times it can dry out a bit once it has been refrigerated. As the pasta soaks up the sauce quite a bit. But the flavor will be just as good as night one.

More spaghetti recipes?

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole – Warm, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.

Taco Spaghetti – It’s simple to make and perfect for a busy weeknight.

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole – The perfect lightened-up comfort food meal!