Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food. It takes classic spaghetti and transforms it into a rich, cheesy, oven-baked dish layered with pasta, savory ground beef, tomato sauce, and a creamy cream cheese mixture. The result is a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings, this spaghetti bake is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. With layers of creamy pasta and gooey melted cheese, it combines the best of a pasta dinner and a cheesy casserole in one dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and paprika; cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Mix Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over pasta.
- Add half of the meat sauce.
- Repeat layers, finishing with sauce on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Cheese Lovers: Add provolone or fontina for even more cheesy goodness.
Cooking Notes
- Cook spaghetti just until al dente so it doesn’t overcook when baked.
- Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow.
- Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before slicing for neater portions.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
- Add a side salad like Caesar or spinach for freshness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips
- Softened cream cheese spreads more easily for even layers.
- Grate mozzarella fresh for smoother melting.
- Double the recipe for potlucks or larger gatherings.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use another pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
- Yes, penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well.
Q2: Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole?
- Yes, bake and cool completely, then freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Q3: Can I substitute ground beef?
- Yes, Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken can be used.
Q4: Do I need ricotta cheese?
- It’s optional but adds extra creaminess,cream cheese alone works fine.
Q5: Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and family-friendly meal that combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the creamy comfort of a casserole. With layers of pasta, meat sauce, and a cream cheese mixture topped with gooey melted cheese, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings. Simple, satisfying, and freezer-friendly, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.