If you’re looking for the kind of dinner that brings everyone running to the table, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is it. This dish takes everything you love about traditional spaghetti and turns it into a creamy, cheesy, baked casserole that’s easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for guests. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor that’ll make it your new go-to pasta recipe.

The best part? It’s a true crowd-pleaser. You’ve got tender spaghetti coated in a rich cream cheese mixture, layered with a savory meat sauce, and topped with golden, melty mozzarella. Every bite is a balance of creamy, meaty, and cheesy goodness. And because it’s baked in one dish, cleanup is minimal and the serving is simple.

Let’s walk through the ingredients and first steps to get this delicious dinner on the table tonight.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Here’s what you’ll need to get started with this comfort-packed recipe:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti – Cooked until just tender for the perfect pasta base.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion and beef.

• 1 lb ground beef – Adds a hearty, savory layer to the sauce.

• 1 small onion, chopped – Brings in a bit of sweetness and depth.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced – A must-have for bold flavor.

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.

• Salt and pepper, to taste – To season everything just right.

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds classic herb flavor to the meat sauce.

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened – Makes the pasta extra creamy and indulgent.

• 1/4 cup sour cream – Enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang.

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty, salty flavor.

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that perfect melty topping.

• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be hot and ready when your dish is assembled and ready to bake.

STEP 2: COOK THE SPAGHETTI

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Avoid overcooking—it’ll bake more in the oven later, and you want it to hold up without turning mushy.

STEP 3: PREPARE THE MEAT SAUCE

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent. Then add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from being too oily. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Then, pour in the marinara sauce, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir everything together. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

LAYER, BAKE, AND MELT – BRINGING TOGETHER THE ULTIMATE COMFORT DISH

With your spaghetti cooked and the meat sauce simmering, it’s time to bring all the layers together for this creamy, cheesy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. This part is where the magic happens—the creamy pasta, rich meat sauce, and golden mozzarella come together in one warm, comforting casserole.

Let’s assemble and bake this hearty dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.

STEP 4: MIX THE SPAGHETTI WITH THE CREAM CHEESE BLEND

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked spaghetti, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. While the spaghetti is still slightly warm, mix everything together until the pasta is well coated and the cheeses are melted into a creamy, luscious mixture.

Don’t worry if it looks a little thick—once it bakes with the sauce and cheese on top, everything comes together perfectly. The cream cheese gives the spaghetti a rich, tangy twist that’s unlike any traditional pasta dish.

STEP 5: SPREAD THE PASTA INTO A BAKING DISH

Take your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula or spoon to level it out, making sure the pasta is spread to the edges of the pan.

This layer will act as the rich, creamy base of the casserole, so be sure to get it nice and even.

STEP 6: LAYER ON THE MEAT SAUCE

Next, spoon the prepared meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti. Use the back of the spoon to spread it into a smooth layer. The hearty sauce seeps down into the creamy pasta as it bakes, creating a delicious fusion of flavors in every bite.

This layered approach is what sets this dish apart—it’s not just mixed together like a typical spaghetti bake. Each bite gives you creamy pasta, bold meat sauce, and gooey cheese all at once.

STEP 7: TOP WITH SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE

Now for the best part—sprinkle two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat sauce. This final layer bakes into a golden, bubbly topping that makes the whole dish feel like comfort food perfection.

If you love extra cheese, feel free to add a little more. You can even mix in some Italian blend or provolone if you want to switch up the flavor.

STEP 8: BAKE UNTIL BUBBLY AND GOLDEN

Place the assembled dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. The aroma filling your kitchen will let you know it’s almost ready.

If you like the top extra golden, you can broil it for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

STEP 9: LET IT REST BEFORE SERVING

Once it’s out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the layers a chance to set and makes it easier to scoop clean slices onto plates. Trust me, the wait is worth it.

Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish and a pop of color if you like. It adds just the right touch to this rich, creamy casserole.

STEP 10: GARNISH AND SERVE WARM

After letting your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti rest for 5 minutes, it’s time to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired—this adds a touch of color and a fresh flavor that brightens up the rich, cheesy layers.

Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out hearty servings. The creamy pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese will hold together beautifully, making each bite warm, gooey, and full of comforting flavor.

Serve it on its own or pair with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal everyone will love.

SERVING TIPS AND VARIATIONS:

• Serve with: A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes the perfect side.

• Want to add veggies? Stir in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini with the meat sauce.

• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara for some heat.

• Switch the meat: Ground turkey or Italian sausage works great too.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON BAKED CREAM CHEESE SPAGHETTI:

You’ve layered, baked, and served the ultimate comfort food—but if you’re anything like me, you probably have a few questions about how to prep ahead, swap ingredients, or store leftovers. This part of the guide is all about making your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti even easier and more versatile for your busy schedule.

Let’s cover some of the most common questions people have about this creamy, cheesy casserole.

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the full casserole (up to the point of baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. Then bake as directed.

2. Can I freeze this baked spaghetti?

Yes, it freezes very well. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through, about 30–40 minutes at 350°F.

3. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be a bit different. Mascarpone also works well for an ultra-rich substitute. Keep in mind the dish may be slightly less tangy without cream cheese, but still delicious.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with penne, rotini, linguine, or even fettuccine. Just make sure to cook it al dente and drain well before mixing with the cheese blend.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

6. Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply omit the ground beef and either increase the amount of marinara sauce or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You’ll still get a creamy, flavorful pasta bake—just without the meat.

7. Is there a way to make it lighter?

For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, and lean ground turkey instead of beef. Skipping the mozzarella topping or using a reduced-fat blend can also help lighten the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A CREAMY TWIST ON A CLASSIC FAMILY FAVORITE

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti takes everything we love about traditional spaghetti night and elevates it with a creamy, rich twist that’s hard to resist. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and hits all the comfort food notes—perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

The combination of seasoned meat sauce, tender pasta, and a velvety cream cheese mixture makes each bite satisfying and full of flavor. And with its customizable nature, it’s easy to tweak for different tastes or dietary needs.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you add veggies? Try a new cheese blend? Let me know your favorite way to serve it, and feel free to share your tips or creative spins in the comments.

Here’s to warm ovens, full plates, and pasta bakes that bring everyone to the table. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti That’s Perfect for Dinner

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• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 45 min

Pin Recipe

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Description

This baked spaghetti dish combines the rich tang of cream cheese, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the pasta base:

• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt for boiling water

For the meat sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the creamy cheese layer:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until softened (about 3–4 minutes).

4️⃣ Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

5️⃣ Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.

6️⃣ Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.

7️⃣ Mix the cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan in a large bowl until the noodles are well coated.

8️⃣ Spread the creamy pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

9️⃣ Top with meat sauce, spreading it out evenly over the pasta layer.

🔟 Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top.

1️⃣1️⃣ Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1️⃣2️⃣ Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can use Italian sausage in place of ground beef.

• Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for a veggie boost.

• This dish can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving—perfect for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min