Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re a fan of hearty, cheesy, baked pasta dishes, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is about to become your new family favorite. Imagine tender spaghetti layered with creamy cheese, rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, and topped with a golden layer of bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy, satisfying, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti noodles
Salt (for boiling water)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of oil.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti until al dente (tender but still slightly firm).
Drain well and set aside.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
Drain excess fat.

5. Assemble the Layers

Spread half the cooked spaghetti into the baking dish.
Top with half of the cream cheese mixture.
Pour half of the marinara sauce on top.
Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.

7. Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta – it will keep cooking in the oven.
Use room temperature cream cheese – this makes mixing easier.
Upgrade your sauce – homemade marinara adds extra flavor.
Add veggies – mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work beautifully.
Storage – refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage.
Replace mozzarella with a cheese blend like cheddar or provolone.
Use ricotta or sour cream instead of cream cheese for a lighter texture.

Perfect Pairings

This casserole is rich, so pair it with:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Iced tea or a glass of red wine

Recipe Info

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450 per serving
FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap it well and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Q: What other cheeses work well?
Cheddar, provolone, gouda, or a three-cheese Italian blend all work beautifully.