Description
Craving a cozy, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes of creamy, cheesy, and savory? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is your answer! It’s the perfect fusion of comforting spaghetti, rich cream cheese, and a meaty marinara sauce topped with melty cheese. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, a quick family meal, or a freezer-friendly food idea, this hearty casserole is a winner. A twist on traditional pasta bakes, it’s a go-to choice when you want a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss in the hot spaghetti and mix to coat evenly.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add garlic, tomato paste, marinara, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Layer the spaghetti mixture in the bottom, top with meat sauce, and cover with mozzarella and cheddar.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for a crisp top.
6. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve.
Notes
Let the cream cheese fully soften before mixing—it ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Simmering the meat sauce for 10 minutes enhances depth of flavor.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it slice cleanly and hold together better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg