Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy twist on traditional spaghetti that’s baked to golden perfection. With layers of pasta, seasoned meat sauce, and a rich cream cheese mixture, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s easy to prepare, satisfyingly indulgent, and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Prep Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Equipment

Large pot (for boiling pasta)
Skillet or sauté pan (for cooking meat)
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula or spoon
Aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley or basil (optional garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Spaghetti: You can use any pasta, but traditional spaghetti gives the best texture in this casserole.
Cream Cheese: Soften to room temperature for easier mixing. Can use reduced-fat if preferred.
Ground Beef: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for dietary needs.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade variety.
Mozzarella: Freshly shredded melts better, but pre-shredded works fine too.

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with sour cream (if using) until smooth. Add a bit of pasta water if it’s too thick.
Assemble Casserole:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer as follows:
- Half of the cooked spaghetti
- All of the cream cheese mixture (spread evenly)
- Remaining spaghetti
- Meat sauce on top
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving based on 8 servings)

Calories: ~480
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
(Nutrition values may vary based on brands used and substitutions.)

Tips and Variations

Tips

Soften the cream cheese: Leave it out 30–60 minutes before prep for easy mixing.
Drain pasta slightly early: Slightly undercook pasta (al dente) so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake later—add 10 extra minutes to baking time if cold.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.