Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect comfort food casserole, combining tender pasta with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a rich meat layer. This recipe transforms ordinary spaghetti into a hearty, baked dish that’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its gooey cheese topping and layers of flavor, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
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For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 tbsp salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning. 1 tsp.
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 14 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 14 cup grated Parmes
- 1 tsp dried parsley
For Topping:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
Directions
- Cook the PastaPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- How do you prepare meat sauce?: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- How do you make Cream Cheese Mixture?In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a small amount of meat sauce at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese mixture until fully coated. Layer the spaghetti mixture over the sauce. Top with the remaining meat sauce, spreading evenly.
- Add the Cheese Topping and serve.: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Protein Variations: Swap ground beef for chicken, or plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian version.
- Add Veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Customize your cheese.: Mix mozzarella with provolone for a unique flavor twist.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that everyone will love!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?
Can you make the casserole ahead of time? Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Can you freeze the casserole for up to 2 months? Is it safe to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking?
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this recipe?
Can you substitute ground beef for ground turkey (1:1 ratio) or Italian sausage? If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt (1:1), though the tang may be slightly different. If you’re out of Parmesan cheese, use a similar hard cheese like Pecorino Romano, adjusting the amount to taste. Can you substitute homemade marinara sauce for homemade tomato sauce?
How do you know if your baked cheese spaghetti is perfectly cooked?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The edges of the sauce should be bubbling. You can also insert a fork into the center. It should go through the pasta easily. The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the meat is cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I double this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe?
Is it possible to double the recipe? Is it necessary to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time of a casserole? Make sure to check for doneness by ensuring the cheese is bubbly and the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C).
What are the nutritional highlights of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
This dish provides protein from ground beef or sausage and dairy products. The marinara sauce contributes lycopene, an antioxidant. The cream cheese and sour cream add calcium. What are the benefits of whole wheat pasta?
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
A delightful baked spaghetti recipe enhanced with cream cheese for a creamy texture.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti uncooked
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the warm spaghetti.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer the spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce, followed by the remaining sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
You can add Italian Sausage for extra flavor.
