Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender spaghetti noodles with a rich cream cheese layer, savory marinara, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. This crowd-pleasing casserole is a hearty, creamy, and cheesy dinner your whole family will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy and Cheesy: A luscious blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates an irresistible texture.
Perfect for Families: Hearty and filling—ideal for satisfying hungry households or serving at potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when you’re ready.
Balanced Flavors: Savory ground beef and herbs bring depth to the classic spaghetti base.
Versatile: Easily customized with different proteins, sauces, or add-ins like veggies or spice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz spaghetti noodles
Salt for boiling water
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Brown the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink.
Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Combine Ingredients:
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti.
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
Pour half of the marinara or spaghetti sauce over the cream cheese layer.
Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, sauce, and cheeses.
Bake the Casserole:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Different Sauces: Try Alfredo sauce or a tomato-basil blend for a unique flavor.
Add-On Toppings: Include black olives, diced bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture.
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken in place of beef.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap the baked (and cooled) casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I substitute cottage cheese or ricotta for cream cheese?
Yes, either can be used, but they’ll change the texture slightly—cream cheese gives the creamiest result.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Use light cream cheese, lean ground meat, and reduced-fat cheese to lower the calorie content.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Spaghetti is traditional, but penne, rigatoni, or rotini also work well.
Do I have to cover it while baking?
Yes, covering ensures the interior heats evenly without drying out. Remove the foil at the end to melt the cheese on top.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely—mushrooms, spinach, onions, or bell peppers can be mixed in for extra nutrients.
Will the cream cheese melt into the pasta?
Yes, especially when softened and spread; it creates a creamy base layer that melts into the noodles while baking.
What type of marinara sauce is best?
Use a high-quality, flavorful marinara—homemade or store-bought—that complements the rich cream cheese.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just be cautious not to overcook it initially to avoid mushiness.
How should I serve it?
Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a decadent and cozy pasta bake that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With creamy layers, hearty meat, and a golden cheese topping, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck favorite that satisfies every craving for comfort food. Make it once, and it will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Heaven!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory marinara and ground beef. This layered pasta bake features a rich cream cheese filling, tender spaghetti, and a golden mozzarella-Parmesan topping that bubbles to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead-friendly dish that’s perfect for family dinners and potlucks!
Ingredients
-
12 oz spaghetti noodles
-
Salt for boiling water
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
-
1 lb ground beef
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Spaghetti:
-
Bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente.
-
Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
-
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with minced garlic and Italian seasoning until smooth.
4. Brown the Ground Beef:
-
In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned.
-
Drain excess fat.
5. Layer the Casserole:
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In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti.
-
Spread half the cream cheese mixture over it.
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Add half the marinara sauce, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
6. Bake the Casserole:
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors!
Notes
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Swap marinara for spicy arrabbiata for a kick.
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Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture.
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Great for freezing and reheating later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
