Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes

 Cook Time: 30 minutes

 Total Time: 45 minutes

 Difficulty: Easy

 Servings: 6–8

 Introduction

Craving something cheesy, creamy, and totally satisfying? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is your new go-to comfort dish. It’s the perfect marriage between spaghetti and lasagna, combining tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich cream cheese mixture baked into bubbly, golden perfection.

This dish is quick to prep, budget-friendly, and kid-approved — perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual Sunday dinners.

 Ingredients

 For the Pasta Base:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

 For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

 For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

 Instructions

 Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

 Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain, toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

 Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:

• Softened cream cheese

• Sour cream (if using)

• Garlic powder

• Salt & pepper

Stir until smooth and creamy. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.

Tip: If the mixture is too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of warm pasta water to help it coat the noodles.

 Step 4: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat:

1. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

2. Drain excess grease.

3. Add garlic, cook 1 minute more.

4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low for 5–7 minutes. Season to taste.

 Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread half the meat sauce in the bottom of the greased casserole dish.

2. Layer all of the cream cheese spaghetti mixture over the sauce.

3. Top with the remaining meat sauce.

4. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

 Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

 Step 7: Rest & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Serve warm — and enjoy!

 Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze the baked (or unbaked) casserole, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.

Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

 Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approx.)

Nutrition will vary based on brands and portion sizes.

 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole with:

•  A crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette

•  Garlic bread or buttery rolls

•  Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers

•  A glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot)

 Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat or replace with plant-based crumbles.

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage instead of beef.

• Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or provolone to the middle layer.

• Low-Carb: Use spiralized zucchini or low-carb pasta alternatives.

 Why You’ll Love This Casserole

•  One-pan, family-friendly meal

•  Super creamy, cheesy comfort food

•  Easy to make ahead and freeze

•  A crowd-pleaser for potlucks and holidays

•  Easily customizable

 Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food done right. It’s easy, satisfying, and sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. From busy weeknights to weekend gatherings, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort.