Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, comforting pasta dish layered with tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese center. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or make-ahead freezer meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti: forms the hearty base of the casserole
- 1 lb ground beef: adds savory flavor and protein
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce: brings bold Italian flavor
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: creates the creamy middle layer
- 1/2 cup sour cream: enhances creaminess and adds tang
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into a gooey topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: adds sharp, nutty flavor
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: boosts flavor in the meat sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: adds depth and aroma
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: ties all the flavors together
- Salt and pepper to taste: enhances overall flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let flavors meld.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Top with the entire cream cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
- Add half of the meat sauce over the cream cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers with remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- This dish freezes well before baking — wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sautéed veggies for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, creamy pasta bake, cheesy spaghetti casserole, easy casserole recipe