There’s something incredibly comforting about spaghetti baked into a bubbly, cheesy casserole. For me, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just a recipe, it’s a warm memory. I still remember the first time I made it. I was short on time, out of patience, and had a fridge full of leftovers. I mixed in cream cheese with warm noodles out of desperation, layered it with sauce and mozzarella, baked it, and boom! It became an instant favorite in our home.
This dish quickly turned into a go-to recipe when guests came over or when my husband needed a soul-satisfying dinner after a long day. It’s creamy, cheesy, baked to perfection, and honestly, hard to mess up. That’s why I love it, and I bet you will too.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti Casserole
Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy to Make
This spaghetti casserole hits all the comfort food notes. The creamy texture from the cream cheese melts perfectly into the pasta, creating a sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for kids, your partner, or a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to get those “Mmm, what is this?!” reactions.
Great for Make-Ahead Meals and Leftovers
This Baked Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just delicious, it’s practical. You can make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It freezes beautifully and reheats like a charm. Much like this Turkey Broccoli Casserole, it’s a reliable option for meal prepping.
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy, this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a family-favorite comfort dish perfect for weeknights.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 lb ground beef or sausage
8 oz cream cheese
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain grease.
3. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to meat. Simmer for 5–7 mins.
4. While spaghetti is still warm, stir in cream cheese until melted.
5. In a greased 9×13 dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, half the mozzarella. Repeat.
6. Top with parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Cool slightly and serve.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
You can assemble the night before and bake when ready.
Add chopped onion or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this crowd-pleasing baked dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 12 oz |
| Ground beef or sausage | 1 lb |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Marinara sauce | 3 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Try using the same mozzarella mix from this creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe for a richer flavor.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Mix with sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add cream cheese: While pasta is warm, stir in cream cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Assemble: In a greased casserole dish, layer half the pasta, half the meat sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top and bake: Finish with parmesan cheese on top. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
The creamy layering technique here is similar to what you’ll find in this Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef.
Tips and Variations for Spaghetti Casserole
Flavor Boosters You Can Add
Add chopped onions or garlic when cooking the meat for more depth. Want a spicy kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
Customizing for Diet or Crowd
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti. Want it vegetarian? Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach. This dish is just as creamy and satisfying, like this Spinach and Mushroom Chicken Bake, even without the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this spaghetti casserole creamy?
The cream cheese is the game-changer here. When added to warm pasta, it melts and creates a luxurious, smooth coating that blends beautifully with the sauce.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. If baking from the fridge, add 10 extra minutes.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Spaghetti is classic, but you can use penne, rotini, or even ziti. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it holds up during baking. It’s similar to the base used in this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. Add a splash of milk if it gets dry.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just a dish, it’s a reliable weeknight win. With a creamy texture, cheesy top, and familiar flavors baked into every bite, it’s comfort food at its best. Perfect for potlucks, picky eaters, and busy nights, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. And if you’re into casseroles, don’t miss this ultra-cozy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole next.
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