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