Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate marriage of rich, creamy indulgence and comforting classic Italian flavor. This oven-baked dish blends perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory seasoned ground beef, and luscious cream cheese into a hearty, bubbling casserole that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezing ahead for later enjoyment. When you need a family-friendly, satisfying, and easy-to-make recipe, this baked spaghetti casserole delivers every single time.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Layer:
12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping:
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the chopped onion until fully cooked and no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and add the crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
Half of the cooked spaghetti
All of the cream cheese mixture
The remaining spaghetti
All of the meat sauce
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Step 6: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 7: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, then serve warm.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
Add Vegetables
To boost nutrition and flavor, add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
Make It Spicy
Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños or extra crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Double It for the Freezer
This casserole freezes well. Prepare a second batch, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Try Different Proteins
Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Conclusion
When it comes to crowd-pleasing dinners, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a true standout. Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful, it transforms simple pantry ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that’s as good the next day as it is fresh from the oven. Whether you’re feeding a large family, prepping for a busy week, or looking to wow at a potluck, this dish guarantees satisfied smiles and clean plates.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, bake as instructed, adding 10 extra minutes if baking directly from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work well. Just cook until al dente and follow the same layering process.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes. You can freeze before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven covered with foil until hot.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables or plant-based crumbles. The dish remains creamy and satisfying.
What side dishes go best with this?
Pair it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate marriage of rich, creamy indulgence and comforting classic Italian flavor. This oven-baked dish blends perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory seasoned ground beef, and luscious cream cheese into a hearty, bubbling casserole that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezing ahead for later enjoyment. When you need a family-friendly, satisfying, and easy-to-make recipe, this baked spaghetti casserole delivers every single time.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 lb ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the chopped onion until fully cooked and no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Drain excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and add the crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:
Half of the cooked spaghetti
All of the cream cheese mixture
The remaining spaghetti
All of the meat sauce
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezes well: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg