If you love creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, then this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole will become a fast favorite! It’s everything you want in a cozy, weeknight dinner: tender spaghetti tossed in creamy cheese, layered with savory meat sauce, and baked until bubbling with gooey melted cheese on top.
This is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I make it often when I want comfort food without the fuss of a complicated lasagna or the monotony of plain spaghetti. It’s hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!
What Is Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a layered pasta bake that combines classic spaghetti noodles with cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese for extra creaminess. A flavorful ground beef marinara sauce is layered over the cheesy pasta and topped with even more melted cheese.
It’s basically the love child of spaghetti night and a casserole—and trust me, it’s a match made in dinner heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra creamy and cheesy hello, cream cheese!
- Perfect for meal prep this casserole reheats beautifully.
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved they’ll ask for seconds!
- One-pan wonder all the comfort of baked pasta without the work of traditional lasagna.
- Feeds a crowd great for potlucks or family dinners.
What Does It Taste Like?
Each bite of this casserole is rich and savory with layers of creaminess from the cream cheese and sour cream, a slightly tangy marinara sauce, and the familiar chew of spaghetti. The ground beef adds hearty, meaty depth, while the baked cheese topping gives you that irresistible golden, bubbly finish. It’s like spaghetti—but better!
Benefits of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Simple to make perfect for beginner cooks or busy nights.
- Freezer-friendly make one now, freeze one for later.
- Customizable swap in turkey, sausage, or meatless crumbles.
- Minimal prep no need to pre-layer like lasagna.
- Crowd-pleaser everyone loves baked pasta!
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
- Large skillet (for browning meat)
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Top with Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl until smooth. Toss in the cooked spaghetti and coat evenly.
- Layer the casserole:
- Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
- Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
What to Serve with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- A simple side of green beans
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing—it makes it easier to stir.
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
- Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor (try mozzarella and cheddar together!).
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking. It’s perfect for batch cooking.
Can I use other pasta?
You can! Penne, rotini, or ziti all work well in place of spaghetti.
Conclusion
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect comfort meal for busy nights, family dinners, or cozy weekends at home. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—plus, it’s super easy to make ahead and freezes like a dream.
Once you try this, it might just replace your regular spaghetti dinner for good!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, cheesy twist on classic spaghetti! This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is loaded with ground beef, marinara, cream cheese, and melty mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food bake.
Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti noodles
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef in olive oil until browned. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
6. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly.
7. Top with the meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
Notes
– Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for variety.
– Add diced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
– Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed.
– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti, cheesy spaghetti casserole, ground beef spaghetti bake, comfort food casserole, spaghetti bake with cheese
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