Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together the richness of a creamy pasta dish and the heartiness of a baked casserole.
With tender spaghetti noodles tossed in a luscious cream cheese mixture, layered with savory ground beef and marinara sauce, and topped with melty cheese, this dish is both indulgent and family-friendly.
Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s easy to prepare ahead and bake when needed. Each bite delivers creamy, cheesy, and meaty goodness that’s sure to satisfy cravings and win over even the pickiest eaters at the table.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, comforting twist on classic pasta.
Cooked spaghetti is tossed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings, then layered with a savory meat sauce and topped with melted mozzarella.
Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole delivers a satisfying balance of tangy, cheesy, and meaty flavors in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it's a crowd-pleaser that reheats beautifully.
The cream cheese adds a luscious texture that elevates the dish beyond traditional baked spaghetti.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
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In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with cream cheese (and sour cream if using) until pasta is well coated and creamy.
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Layer in baking dish:
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Spread half the meat sauce on the bottom.
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Add the cream cheese spaghetti mixture.
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Top with remaining meat sauce.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
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Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 20g40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and rich dish that combines the creaminess of cream cheese with the savory goodness of spaghetti.
Here are some tips for making this dish and tricks to ensure it’s perfect for any occasion, including serving sizes and ways to make it adaptable for different preferences.
Tips for Preparing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole:
- Use the Right Pasta: The traditional spaghetti works great for this dish, but you can use other types of pasta like penne or rotini if you prefer. Keep in mind that shorter pasta shapes will hold the sauce and cheese better, while spaghetti provides a more classic texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the spaghetti will bake in the oven, it’s crucial not to overcook it when boiling. Cook it al dente (a little firm) because it will soften further during baking. Overcooking it will result in mushy pasta.
- Blend the Cream Cheese Well: Cream cheese can be a bit tricky to incorporate into the casserole mix. To make it smooth and easy to blend with the other ingredients, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. You can even blend it in a food processor to ensure there are no lumps.
- Season Your Sauce: The pasta sauce is a key component of this dish, so make sure it's well-seasoned. You can use a store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch. Adding extra spices like garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning will give the casserole more flavor depth.
- Add Protein or Veggies for More Texture: For a heartier meal, you can mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken. If you want to go vegetarian, consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. They’ll enhance the texture and nutritional value.
- Layering for the Best Flavor: Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish for an even distribution of flavors. Start with some sauce at the bottom, then add a layer of pasta, a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture, and repeat until you run out of ingredients. End with a final layer of sauce and shredded cheese on top for a nice golden crust.
- Cover and Bake, Then Uncover: Cover the casserole with foil while baking to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld. The last 10–15 minutes of baking should be done without foil so that the top can become golden and bubbly.
Serving Size and Tricks for Portions:
- Make Ahead and Store Leftovers: One of the advantages of this casserole is that it stores and reheats well. You can make it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it right before serving. For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake it again in the oven.
- Serving Sizes: This casserole typically serves about 6–8 people, depending on portion size. If you’re serving it as a main course, you’ll likely get 6 servings from one casserole. However, if it’s being served as part of a larger meal with sides like a salad or garlic bread, you can stretch it to 8 servings.
- Freezing for Future Meals: If you want to make it in bulk or plan for future meals, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole freezes well. Assemble it but don’t bake it, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen (add 15–20 minutes to the baking time).
- Portion Control: To avoid overeating or wasting food, consider dividing the casserole into smaller portions before baking. You can use individual baking dishes for single servings or cut the casserole into smaller squares and serve smaller plates, making it easier to control portions.
By following these tips, you’ll create a creamy, flavorful casserole that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a flexible and delicious dish that can easily be adapted to suit different dietary needs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! One of the best things about this casserole is that it can be made ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
When you're ready to cook, just remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. This makes it a great dish for meal prepping or entertaining.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is the traditional pasta for this casserole, you can use other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or rotini if you prefer.
Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente before mixing it with the cream cheese sauce.
The key is to make sure the pasta holds its shape well during baking, so avoid using overly delicate pasta shapes that may break apart.
Can I freeze Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes very well. To freeze, prepare it as usual, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly with foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake it as usual. If you're baking it directly from frozen, add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Freezing is an excellent option if you want to make a big batch and have it ready for a later date.
