Short Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and comforting dish that combines al dente spaghetti with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses, all layered with savory meat sauce. Baked to perfection, this casserole offers a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, making it a family favorite for dinners and gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luscious and indulgent texture.
-
Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with protein and carbohydrates, it’s a complete meal that satisfies hunger.
-
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, perfect for busy schedules.
-
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different meats, vegetables, or pasta types to suit personal preferences.
-
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where comfort food is appreciated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
8 oz spaghetti
-
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti or marinara sauce
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt and pepper, to tasteNo Dash of Gluten+1Plain Chicken+1Sweet Pea’s Kitchen+3Log in or sign up to view+3Life With Janet+3Plain Chicken+5Gonna Want Seconds+5Reddit+5Reddit+1Plain Chicken+1
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
-
Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
-
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the spaghetti is well coated.
-
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
-
Layer the spaghetti mixture over the sauce, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
-
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.AllrecipesPlain Chicken
Servings and Timing
-
Yield: Approximately 6 servings
-
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
-
Total Time: 55 minutesNo Dash of Gluten+1Sweet Pea’s Kitchen+1Plain ChickenPlain Chicken+13Reddit+13Plain Chicken+13
Variations
-
Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
-
Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for added heat.
-
Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique taste.
-
Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier alternative.Wendy Polisi
Storage/Reheating
-
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
-
Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
-
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine can be used in place of spaghetti.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready for a creamy, cheesy delight! This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting hug in a dish—featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a velvety cream cheese and sour cream mixture, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the ultimate easy comfort food for any pasta lover!
Ingredients
-
8 oz spaghetti
-
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
Optional: 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or 1 cup cooked ground beef for layering
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Toss the hot spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until well coated.
-
If using, spread half of the marinara sauce or meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
-
Layer the coated spaghetti into the dish, then top with remaining sauce (if using) and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
-
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
-
Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables to bulk up the casserole.
-
Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
-
Swap in gluten-free pasta to make it GF-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American