Cozy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe For Dinner

Creamy cheese dreams converge in this mouthwatering baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole that promises comfort in every single bite.

Layers of tender pasta embrace rich, velvety cream cheese with surprising depth.

Weeknight dinners deserve something spectacular like this crowd-pleasing dish.

Comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Pasta lovers recognize true culinary magic when they see melted cheese stretching across perfectly cooked noodles.

We crafted this recipe to make you feel like a kitchen hero without complicated techniques.

Grab a fork and prepare for a seriously delicious adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Is a Hit

• Conquer Weeknight Cooking: Dive into this irresistible spaghetti casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
• Minimize Kitchen Chaos: Streamline dinner preparation with simple steps, requiring just one skillet and one baking dish for minimal cleanup.
• Create Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese blends to suit family preferences.
• Serve a Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and busy weeknights, this hearty dish satisfies hungry appetites with layers of cheesy, saucy goodness.

Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that provides the hearty foundation for this comforting casserole.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that adds robust flavor and substance to the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings tangy richness to the casserole.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture that binds the ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tanginess and helps create a rich, velvety consistency.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking and adds a subtle background flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a melty, golden topping that adds depth and richness to the dish.

Simple Steps for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender. Drain the pasta and give it a quick toss with olive oil to keep the noodles from turning into a clumpy mess.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat up a large skillet and toss in the ground beef. Break it down into tiny crumbles while cooking over medium-high heat until no pink remains.

Step 4: Create the Meat Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend all those delicious flavors together.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Base

In a mixing bowl, whip together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and velvety. This creates a rich, dreamy layer for the casserole.

Step 6: First Layer of Pasta

Spread half of the cooked pasta across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add Creamy Layer

Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over the pasta layer.

Step 8: First Meat Sauce Layer

Pour half of the meat sauce over the creamy base.

Step 9: Sprinkle Cheese

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

over the meat sauce.

Step 10: Repeat Layering

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and finish with another generous sprinkle of cheese.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbly cheese top and everything heated through.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. Slice, serve, and enjoy your comforting meal!

Smart Tips for Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Toss cooked spaghetti with olive oil immediately after draining to keep noodles separate and glossy.
• Master Meat Browning: Use medium-high heat and break ground beef into small crumbles for even cooking and maximum flavor development.
• Cheese Mixing Trick: Whisk cream cheese and sour cream thoroughly to create a smooth, luxurious base without lumps.
• Quick Resting Technique: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow layers to set and flavors to meld perfectly.
• Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Sprinkle cheeses generously and evenly to ensure a golden, bubbling top that looks and tastes irresistible.

Delicious Styles for This Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same spices and layering technique for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti for gluten-free pasta noodles, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Substitute marinara with salsa, add taco seasoning instead of Italian herbs, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-style casserole.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the creamy cheese layers and savory meat sauce intact.

Pairing Ideas for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.
• Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Create a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and provide a light, refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the delicious meat sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to offer a bright, acidic counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy pasta dish.

How to Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the casserole sealed tight to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other fridge odors.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months; label with date and contents to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, add splash of water or extra marinara sauce to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole FAQs

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children love the cheesy layers and familiar spaghetti ingredients. The mild flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect family meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner protein option. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain the dish’s rich flavor profile.

• How do I know when the casserole is perfectly baked?

Look for golden, bubbly cheese on top and a heated-through center. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the cheese should be melted completely.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole brings comfort and indulgence to dinner tables with its rich, cheesy layers. Hearty pasta nestled with savory herbs and velvety sauce promises a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese and Dairy:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sour cream

Meat and Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and prevent sticking.
2. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss with olive oil to prevent clumping.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains.
4. Drain excess fat from the beef, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, simmering for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious base for the casserole.
6. Layer half the pasta in the prepared baking dish, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, then top with half the meat sauce.
7. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the sauce.
8. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and finish with a final blanket of cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
10. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving, which helps set the layers and intensify the flavors.

Notes

• Prevent pasta from sticking by adding a splash of olive oil and stirring immediately after draining, ensuring each strand remains separate and perfectly coated.
• Enhance flavor complexity by using a blend of ground meats like beef and Italian sausage for a richer, more nuanced taste profile.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, maintaining the dish’s creamy texture and hearty appeal.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef, low-fat cream cheese, and Greek yogurt as a sour cream alternative without compromising the casserole’s indulgent character.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg