Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

I had one of those nights when I wanted something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. You know the feeling—the kind of evening when you crave a warm, hearty meal that hugs your soul. That’s when I decided to make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.

I had all the ingredients on hand: pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, and a generous amount of cheese (because, let’s be honest, there’s no such thing as too much cheese).

The first time I made this dish, I wasn’t sure how the cream cheese layer would turn out. Would it be too heavy? Too rich? But once I took that first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The creamy layer melts into the spaghetti, creating a luscious, velvety texture that balances beautifully with the savory beef and tomato sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for a moment to savor the flavors.

This baked spaghetti is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prep, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dish to serve at a gathering, this recipe has you covered.

Short Description

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and creamy pasta casserole layered with spaghetti, a velvety cream cheese mixture, savory marinara beef sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound of spaghetti
• 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper

Tools Needed

• Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
• Skillet (for cooking beef and sauce)
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Beef and Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 7–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the pasta. Layer with half of the beef sauce, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the beef sauce and the final cup of mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Cheesy – The perfect balance of rich, melty cheese and smooth, velvety sauce.

Simple & Easy – No complicated steps, just straightforward, delicious comfort food.

Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep; leftovers reheat beautifully.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overcooking the Pasta

Mistake: Boiling spaghetti too long results in mushy noodles.
Solution: Cook it al dente since it will soften further while baking.

2. Not Draining the Beef Properly

Mistake: Excess grease can make the dish overly oily.
Solution: After browning the beef, drain the fat thoroughly before adding the sauce.

3. Skipping the Resting Time

Mistake: Slicing the casserole immediately can cause it to fall apart.
Solution: Let it sit for 5 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Side Dishes: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic bread.
–  Drink Pairings: Pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine or iced tea.
– Serving Style: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, Parmesan, or provolone work well as substitutes.

3. How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or swap regular marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce.

4. Can I make this without meat?
Yes! Use sautéed mushrooms or lentils as a hearty, vegetarian alternative.

5. Why is my cheese not browning?
If the cheese isn’t golden, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.

Tips & Tricks

– Use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
– Mix in spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
– For extra cheesiness, add ½ cup Parmesan to the mozzarella topping.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken Alfredo Baked Spaghetti

Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.

Replace marinara sauce with Alfredo sauce.

Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the topping.

2. Spicy Tex-Mex Baked Spaghetti

Add ½ cup of salsa to the sauce.

Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.

Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and jalapeños before serving.

3. Low-Carb Baked Spaghetti

Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best meals aren’t the ones that take hours of effort but the ones that bring people together with comforting flavors. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti does exactly that—it’s warm, hearty, and packed with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness. Every bite feels like a cozy, home-cooked hug, and it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at the dinner table.

I always enjoy the moment when I pull it out of the oven, the cheese bubbling and golden, filling the kitchen with the most inviting aroma. It’s not fancy or complicated, but that’s what makes it so special—simple ingredients coming together in the best way possible. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to make but full of flavor, this spaghetti bake is one you’ll keep coming back to.