Heavenly Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Creamy comfort meets pasta perfection in this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Layers of tender noodles mingle with rich, velvety cheese sauce.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a dish guaranteed to satisfy serious hunger pangs.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components transform into something extraordinary.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the decadent twist on classic spaghetti preparations.

Warm, gooey, and packed with flavor, this casserole invites you to savor every delectable bite.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this comforting masterpiece.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Is A Weeknight Win

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Meal: Satisfy hungry family members with this hearty spaghetti casserole that combines classic pasta flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a complete meal in one dish that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.
• Meal Prep Magic: Make ahead and refrigerate before baking, allowing for convenient dinner planning and stress-free meal preparation.

Ingredients For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that provides the base and hearty texture for this comforting casserole.

• Ground Beef: A rich and savory meat that adds substantial flavor and protein to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds zesty and tangy notes to the meat layer.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and rich base for the pasta coating, adding creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds a subtle tanginess to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm and aromatic garlic essence throughout the casserole.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Introduces a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a stretchy and gooey top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp and nutty flavor to complement the other ingredients.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

How To Bake Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and give a light spray of cooking oil to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil salted water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until tender, typically taking 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until completely cooked with no pink showing, around 7-8 minutes.

Step 4: Season The Meat

Drain beef fat and return meat to skillet. Pour marinara sauce over beef, stirring and letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Mixture

• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Cream

Gently fold cooked spaghetti into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring every strand gets a creamy coating.

Step 7: First Layer Of Deliciousness

Spread half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, then cover with a layer of meat sauce.

Step 8: Sprinkle First Cheese Layer

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Over the meat sauce.

Step 9: Repeat Layering

Add remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, creating a beautiful layered casserole.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbly golden landscape.

Step 11: Rest And Set

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to settle and firm up.

Step 12: Final Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve piping hot.

Tips That Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Better

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir spaghetti frequently while cooking and rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
• Enhance Meat Flavor: Add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while browning for deeper, richer taste.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture in the cream sauce.
• Control Moisture: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
• Create Crispy Top: Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to create a golden, crispy cheese crust.

Tasty Twists For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat sensitivities while keeping the creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, replace italian seasoning with taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrates while preserving the comforting essence of the original recipe.

What Pairs Well With Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Pair Zesty Italian Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the spaghetti casserole. Its acidity cuts through the creamy cheese and balances the tomato sauce perfectly.
• Serve Fresh Herb Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread with chopped parsley provides a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts the soft, cheesy pasta. The herb and garlic notes enhance the dish's Italian-inspired profile.
• Match Crisp Green Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the casserole's richness. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumber for extra brightness and crunch.

Storage Advice For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese top.

Questions About Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Why use cream cheese in this spaghetti bake?

Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that helps bind the pasta and creates a luxurious, smooth base for the casserole, enhancing the overall flavor and mouthfeel.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes for beef, offering a lighter protein option while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

• How do I know when the casserole is properly cooked?

Look for bubbly, golden-brown cheese edges and a hot, steaming center. The cheese should be completely melted and the top should have a beautiful golden color.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole brings comfort and Italian-inspired richness to weeknight dinners. Melted cheese, tender pasta, and savory herbs create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti

Dairy:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Protein and Seasonings:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 tsp italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat from the beef and return to the skillet. Pour marinara sauce over the meat and stir to combine, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, sour cream, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing gently to ensure every strand is evenly coated.
7. Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
8. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the meat sauce.
9. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses, creating a beautiful stratified casserole.
10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to set.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Optimize pasta texture by cooking just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking.
• Enhance flavor depth by using high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated parmesan cheese for richer taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-fat cream cheese without compromising the dish’s creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg