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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole – Easy Family Dinner with Garlic Toast

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This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish featuring creamy pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, and a bubbly cheese topping, served with golden garlic toast. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and the leftovers are even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz dry spaghetti (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2–3 fresh garlic cloves, minced)
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 24 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Set out cream cheese to soften.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions, usually 8-9 minutes). Drain well, do not rinse.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and spreadable. Add a splash more milk if too thick.
  4. Toss hot, drained spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onion until browned and crumbly (about 6-7 minutes). Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, spreading to cover all the pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden. For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  8. While casserole bakes, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread on sliced bread. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven (or under the broiler) for 6-8 minutes, until golden and crispy. Flip halfway if desired.
  9. Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the casserole. Serve big slices with plenty of garlic toast.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat or use plant-based crumbles and add extra veggies. Use gluten-free pasta and bread for a gluten-free meal. Let the casserole rest before slicing for neat servings. Add a splash of milk or sauce when reheating leftovers to keep them creamy. Broil the top for extra golden cheese, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, cream cheese casserole, family dinner, garlic toast, comfort food, pasta bake, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/baked-cream-cheese-spaghetti-casserole-easy-family-dinner-with-garlic-toast/