Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and irresistibly creamy dinner that will satisfy the whole family, look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole. This dish takes traditional spaghetti and elevates it with a velvety cream cheese mixture, a savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese on top. It’s the perfect combination of a baked spaghetti, lasagna-style layers, and a creamy pasta bake — all in one delicious casserole.

This recipe has become a favorite in busy households because it’s easy to prepare, inexpensive to make, and absolutely packed with flavor. The cream cheese gives the pasta a silky smooth texture, while the casserole baking process allows all the flavors — tomato, herbs, garlic, cream, and cheese — to meld together beautifully. The final result is a bubbly, golden-topped dish that tastes like comfort on a plate.

Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, meal prep, or weekend gathering, this casserole delivers every time. It reheats wonderfully, feeds a crowd, and brings a cozy, homemade feel to the table. With savory ground beef, warm spices, rich sauce, and a creamy pasta base, this baked spaghetti casserole is a hearty, satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Layer:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, return to the pot, and toss with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Cream Cheese Mixture with Pasta

Add the cream cheese mixture to the warm spaghetti and toss until all noodles are completely coated. This creates the creamy base layer of the casserole.

Step 4: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Pour in marinara sauce, sugar, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add all the cream cheese–coated spaghetti on top and spread evenly. Then pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Variation

• Spicy Version: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef and add extra crushed red pepper.
• Four-Cheese Twist: Add ricotta, provolone, or fontina to the cheese layer.
• Vegetarian: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or a plant-based meat alternative.
• White Sauce Base: Swap marinara with Alfredo sauce for an ultra-rich, creamy version.
• Mexican-Style: Add taco seasoning to the beef, use cheddar cheese, and top with jalapeños.

COOKING NOTE

To ensure the casserole stays creamy and doesn’t dry out, avoid overbaking. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If preparing ahead, assemble completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a full Italian-style dinner.
• Add a fresh side salad such as Caesar, garden greens, or antipasto.
• Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini.
• For a special occasion, serve alongside appetizers like mozzarella sticks or bruschetta.

Tips

• Use warm pasta: Helps cream cheese melt evenly.
• Soften cream cheese fully: Prevents lumps and ensures a silky coating.
• Drain meat well: Too much grease makes the casserole oily.
• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to set for 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner portions.
• Double for crowds: This recipe doubles easily for parties or large families.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 26 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fiber: 3 g

(Estimated values vary based on ingredients used.)

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole fully, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q2: Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked or baked. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Q3: Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes — penne, rotini, rigatoni, or linguine all work well.

Q4: Can I make it lighter?
Use light cream cheese, lean ground turkey, and whole-wheat spaghetti.

Q5: Why is my casserole dry?
It may have been baked too long. Cover with foil if reheating to keep moisture in.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With layers of rich pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a cozy dinner that brings everyone to the table. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation. Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, it transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that feels like home with every bite.

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