Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients: 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; 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; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Extra Parmesan for topping; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.

Notes

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.