The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is an irresistible comfort food classic that combines creamy, cheesy bliss with tender pasta and savory ground beef simmered in marinara sauce. This dish brings together rich cream cheese and sour cream-coated spaghetti baked to bubbly perfection under a luscious blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Whether you’re craving something hearty for a weeknight meal or a warm dish to share with friends, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of flavors that will quickly become one of your go-to pasta casseroles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that work harmoniously to build layers of creamy, meaty, and cheesy flavors. Each item plays an essential role, from the tender spaghetti providing the perfect base to the cheeses creating that wonderfully rich texture and golden top.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Use spaghetti cooked al dente for the ideal bite and structure in the casserole.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds savory depth and heartiness to the sauce mixture.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: A rich tomato base that infuses the dish with tangy, bright flavor.
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: Brings a velvety creaminess that makes this baked pasta special.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and smooth texture to the creamy spaghetti coating.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers nutty, salty notes that enhance the overall taste.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a golden, bubbly topping.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For browning the ground beef evenly and adding richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten flavors throughout.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceousness.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures a perfect bake later on. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches that satisfying al dente texture—firm but tender. Drain it well to avoid any sogginess in your casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef. Brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks so every bite has that wonderful meaty texture. This step develops flavor and sets the foundation for your marinara mixture.
Step 3: Simmer with Marinara Sauce
Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Give it a good stir and allow it to simmer gently on low heat for about five minutes. This lets the flavors meld beautifully while thickening the sauce slightly before layering.
Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese and Sour Cream
While the sauce simmers, grab a large bowl and combine the softened cream cheese with sour cream. Stir them together until you have a smooth, creamy base that will coat your spaghetti perfectly and add a luscious tang.
Step 5: Coat the Spaghetti
Add your cooked spaghetti into the creamy mixture and toss well so every strand is generously coated. This step ensures each forkful has that signature creamy richness that defines the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
In a large baking dish, evenly spread half of the coated spaghetti at the bottom. Next, layer half of your beefy marinara sauce over the spaghetti. Then sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan and 3/4 cup mozzarella over that layer for the perfect cheesy balance. Repeat these layers with the remaining spaghetti, sauce, and cheeses, finishing off with the mozzarella on top for a golden crust.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden brown. Let the casserole rest briefly before serving to allow it to set up.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a delightful way to add a fresh, herbal note and a splash of green that makes the dish visually inviting. For an extra touch, a little cracked black pepper on top can heighten the flavor and give a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy pasta casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—ideal for entertaining or family dinners. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking can introduce a subtle heat, while mixing in roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini boosts flavor and color beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day meals or packed lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, stirring halfway to ensure even heat. The creamy texture holds up beautifully even after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, feel free to use penne, rigatoni or even fusilli if you prefer. Just cook the pasta until al dente so it holds up in the bake.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole completely and freeze it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking it from frozen.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils to add similar texture and heartiness without meat.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. It provides a similar tang and creaminess without altering the flavor too much.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is ready when the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbling. You can also check that it’s heated through by inserting a knife or skewer in the center and feeling warmth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that offers a cozy hug in every bite, the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s comfort food elevated with creamy textures and layers of hearty flavor that will win over anyone at your table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a warm, cheesy, satisfying meal that feels like a special occasion any night of the week.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting baked spaghetti casserole combining rich cream cheese, savory ground beef, and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Dairy
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Sauce and Beef: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently over low heat for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Cream Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Layer First Spaghetti Portion: Spread half of the cream cheese coated spaghetti evenly on the bottom of a large baking dish.
- Add First Sauce Layer: Spoon half of the marinara sauce and ground beef mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining spaghetti mixture, followed by the remaining sauce and ground beef, and finish with the rest of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, making sure mozzarella is spread on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheeses.
- Brown Cheese Topping: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the spaghetti; al dente texture works best to avoid mushiness after baking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture.
