Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole layers creamy Parmesan spaghetti with savory meat sauce and a melted mozzarella topping. It is a cozy family dinner, make-ahead pasta bake, and practical take-and-bake meal for busy evenings.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing Spoon
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- extra Parmesan cheese for topping
- butter for greasing
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain well.
- Toss the hot spaghetti with softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with chopped onion in a large skillet.
- Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the creamy spaghetti in the baking dish and spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top.
- Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat covered portions in a 325°F oven or microwave single servings with a spoonful of marinara to keep the noodles moist.
Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked portions for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips: Mix the cream cheese into hot spaghetti so it coats the noodles smoothly and evenly.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
Variations: Use Italian sausage, ground turkey, mushrooms, spinach, or a mozzarella-provolone blend for a different family-style bake.