Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Every home cook loves a delightful cream cheese spaghetti casserole that promises comfort and flavor in one delectable dish.

Pasta nights just got an incredible upgrade with this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Comfort food reaches new heights when you combine classic spaghetti with rich, velvety cream cheese.

Layers of melted cheese and tender noodles create a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Weeknight dinners transform into special occasions with this irresistible casserole that invites you to savor each delicious bite.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Is Loved

• Craving Comfort: A mouthwatering twist on classic spaghetti that transforms ordinary ingredients into an irresistible family-favorite meal.
• Simplified Cooking: One-pan preparation eliminates multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners, this hearty casserole satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Customizable Creativity: Easily adaptable by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: The main pasta base that provides structure and texture to the casserole.

• Ground Beef: The primary meat component that adds richness and hearty flavor to the dish.
• Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that creates a smooth and luxurious base layer in the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the cream cheese mixture with tangy richness and smooth consistency.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor to the meat layer.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic seasoning that complements the beef and overall dish.
• Dried Basil: Introduces a classic herb flavor that enhances the Italian-inspired profile of the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste of the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a golden, melted cheese crust that adds richness and visual appeal.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh finish and adds a pop of color to the completed casserole.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.

Steps To Prepare Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Spaghetti Noodles

Boil water with salt and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Brown The Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until completely brown and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 4: Season The Meat Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic powder
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth and silky. Gently fold in sour cream until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Create First Cheese Layer

Spread half of the cream cheese mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.

Step 7: Add Spaghetti Layer

Arrange the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly over the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface.

Step 8: Top With Meat Sauce

Pour the seasoned meat sauce over the spaghetti, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 9: Add Final Cheese Layer

Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the meat sauce, creating a smooth and consistent top layer.

Step 10: Sprinkle Cheese Topping

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 11: Bake The Casserole

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a light golden surface.

Step 12: Rest And Garnish

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving hot.

Tips For Smooth Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by testing spaghetti a minute before package instructions suggest, ensuring it remains slightly firm when bitten.
• Reduce Excess Grease: Thoroughly drain ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain a lighter, cleaner dish.
• Smooth Cream Cheese Blend: Use room temperature cream cheese and mix with a hand mixer for a silky, lump-free base that spreads evenly.
• Cheese Topping Trick: Grate fresh mozzarella and parmesan for superior melting and a more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

Tasty Mix-Ups For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same seasoning and sauce technique for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Casserole: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti or spaghetti squash as a base, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap marinara for salsa, incorporating pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.

Side Dishes That Fit Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A full-bodied Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon cuts through the creamy richness of the casserole, balancing its hearty meat and cheese flavors with complementary tannic notes.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to provide a light, tangy contrast against the dense, creamy pasta dish, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the casserole to soak up extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Select Zesty Beverage Pairing: Opt for a cold, hoppy craft beer like an IPA or amber ale that cuts through the rich cheese and adds a bright, effervescent element to the meal.

How To Keep Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Safe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165°F, stirring between intervals.

FAQs For Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions for browning and seasoning.

• Is this dish considered kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love spaghetti and cheese, making this casserole a crowd-pleaser that combines familiar flavors kids enjoy.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner cooks?

This spaghetti casserole is very beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking skills like browning meat, mixing ingredients, and layering, making it an excellent starter recipe for new home cooks.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy, comforting baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole brings Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables with its rich, tangy layers. Cheesy pasta perfection promises to satisfy hungry crowds and deliver ultimate comfort in every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

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

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 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 salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat from the beef and return to the skillet, stirring in marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whip softened cream cheese until smooth, then gently fold in sour cream until well combined.
6. Layer the prepared casserole by spreading half the cream cheese mixture across the bottom of the baking dish.
7. Arrange the cooked spaghetti evenly over the cream cheese layer, then top with the seasoned meat sauce.
8. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the meat sauce, ensuring even coverage.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses generously across the top of the casserole.
10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a light golden surface.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the casserole to set.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

• Enhance flavor intensity by using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust and authentic taste profile.
• Create a lighter version by substituting ground turkey or lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content and calories.
• Customize this dish for gluten-sensitive individuals by using gluten-free spaghetti and verifying marinara sauce ingredients.
• Maximize cheese melting by allowing the casserole to rest briefly after baking, which helps ingredients bind and improves serving texture.

• 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: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg