Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion—classic spaghetti taken up several notches with a rich, tangy cream cheese layer, topped with bubbling melted cheese and a savory meat sauce. With crowd-pleasing flavors and a make-ahead friendly method, this casserole guarantees empty plates every time.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anyone seeking a creamy twist on familiar Italian flavors, this recipe brings together tender pasta and a luscious, cheesy sauce for a one-pan meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

What sets this dish apart is the luxurious middle layer: spaghetti tossed with cream cheese, creating a surprisingly light yet decadent texture. Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of tangy, creamy, and savory notes, plus melty cheese and a crispy golden top for irresistible contrast. It’s a convenient way to feed a crowd, with easy assembly, familiar ingredients, and unbeatable results.

Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Layering everyday pantry items yields impressive flavor:

Prep Tips for Streamlined Cooking

For consistency and efficiency in the kitchen, a few tools can make all the difference. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly mince onions or garlic, or dice other veggies for extra nutrition.

When it comes to browning ground beef, reach for a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch—its even heat ensures perfectly cooked meat without sticking. For measuring cheese or cream cheese accurately, a Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display guarantees you nail the rich texture every time.

Finally, line your baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy serving and clean-up.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lining it with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for fuss-free removal and cleanup.
2. Cook the spaghetti noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, then set aside.
3. As the pasta cooks, heat a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns—use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher for easy crumbling. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. When beef is cooked through, drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.
5. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Add warm pasta and toss until well coated.
6. To assemble, layer the spaghetti mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, spreading to cover. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the surface.
7. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For an ultra-golden finish, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end—but watch closely!
8. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Serving and Storage Ideas

This casserole is complete on its own, but elevate your meal with a crisp salad packed in a Bentgo Salad Container for lunch or a side of steamed veggies. Leftovers can be cooled and portioned into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for meal prep or quick reheat dinners.

Serve with crusty bread and a refreshing drink in a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler for a complete comfort food experience.

Nutritional Information & Yield

This recipe serves about 6–8 portions. Each serving offers around 480–550 calories (varies based on cheese or protein choice). It’s a special treat—indulgent and satisfying, best shared with friends and family.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole (Recap)

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole transforms classic spaghetti night with a creamy, cheesy upgrade everyone will love. Simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and ideal for leftovers, it’s bound to become a favorite for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. Give it a try and savor the ultimate comfort in a baking dish!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy your creamy, crowd-pleasing spaghetti casserole!