If you’re seeking a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe. It combines tender spaghetti, rich cream cheese, savory beef marinara, and melty mozzarella into layers of pure cheesy bliss. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy texture, savory flavor, and satisfying warmth. Simple but essential, these ingredients work together to deliver a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
- Spaghetti: The pasta base that holds all those wonderful layers together, ideally cooked al dente for a firm bite.
- Cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess that transforms the sauce into a silky, indulgent delight.
- Sour cream: Brings a subtle tang that balances the richness of cream cheese while enhancing the texture.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and deep, savory flavor to the marinara sauce.
- Marinara sauce: The tomatoey backbone that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavor, seasoned perfectly for warmth and zest.
- Garlic powder: A punch of garlicky aroma that elevates the savory elements.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs like oregano and basil adding fresh herbal notes.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that golden, bubbly topping everyone loves.
- Salt and pepper: The simplest yet indispensable seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready to go when your layers are assembled. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. This ensures the pasta won’t turn mushy during baking. Drain it well and set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until you have a smooth, velvety mixture. This creamy combination will add richness and moisture between the pasta layers, making every bite luscious and comforting.
Step 3: Cook the Beef and Sauce
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Then stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors, finishing with a seasoning of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Layer Your Spaghetti Bake
Grab a baking dish and start layering. Place half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom, then spread half of the cream cheese mixture over it. Next, pour half of the beef marinara sauce and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers once more to ensure every layer is bursting with flavor and gooey goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the mozzarella on top to bubble up and turn a delightful golden brown. That golden crust is not just beautiful; it adds a satisfying texture contrast for every forkful.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make a difference. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds an extra layer of savory depth. For some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can make this cozy dish sing.
Side Dishes
This baked spaghetti pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides to balance the richness. A simple mixed green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta nicely. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect to scoop up any leftover sauce, making the meal even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked cream cheese spaghetti in individual ramekins or mini skillets for a personalized touch. Alternatively, transfer to a decorative casserole dish and let guests help themselves family-style. Drizzling a little pesto or extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving can elevate presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer to an airtight container to preserve its flavors and moisture. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently to enjoy that creamy comfort again.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep or busy nights. Freeze it uncovered until solid, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For quick reheating, microwave covered on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times and layer accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives to keep all the rich flavors without the meat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the layers a day before and keep the dish covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
Sour cream adds tang and creaminess, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche if needed. Keep in mind slight flavor differences.
How can I make this recipe less rich?
To lighten it up, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella or reduce the amount of cheese. Adding extra veggies like spinach or zucchini can also balance the richness nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is pure comfort in a dish, full of creamy, savory, cheesy layers that feel like a warm home-cooked hug. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests, making it a true winner for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy casserole combining tender spaghetti, rich cream cheese and sour cream mixture, savory ground beef in marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a hearty family dinner, it’s baked to golden perfection for a delicious, cheesy burst in every bite.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 1 pound of spaghetti
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of sour cream
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the spaghetti casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth and creamy, creating a rich layer for the casserole.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Stir marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef. Let simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: In a baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti as the first layer. Top it evenly with the cream cheese mixture, then spoon on the beef sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella over. Repeat all layers once more, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly, indicating the casserole is heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Adding chopped fresh basil or parsley on top after baking adds fresh flavor and color.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to make blending with sour cream easier.
- Cover the casserole with foil if the cheese browns too quickly while baking.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
