Creamy Baked Spaghetti: The Ultimate Cheese-Loaded Pasta Casserole

Have you ever craved a dish that combines the comfort of classic spaghetti with the indulgent creaminess of a cheesy casserole? That’s exactly what this baked cream cheese spaghetti delivers – a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. I discovered this recipe during a particularly cold winter when nothing but warm, cheesy goodness would do, and it’s been a staple in my household ever since.

This delicious pasta bake transforms ordinary spaghetti into something extraordinary with layers of tangy cream cheese, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s like a cross between traditional spaghetti and a rich, creamy lasagna – the best of both worlds!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Baked Spaghetti

What makes this dish so special? Let me count the ways:

• It’s incredibly family-friendly – even picky eaters can’t resist this cheesy delight
• The recipe is versatile – easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
• Makes perfect leftovers that taste even better the next day
• Great for meal prep – freeze individual portions for quick future meals
• Combines simple ingredients that create amazing flavor together

The secret to this dish’s irresistible appeal lies in the creamy layer of cream cheese that melts throughout the pasta, creating pockets of tangy richness that perfectly balances the savory meat sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients List

For this crowd-pleasing casserole, you’ll need:

For the pasta base:

• 8 ounces of spaghetti (about half a standard box)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the meat sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For topping:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or try an Italian cheese blend)
• Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make Creamy Baked Spaghetti

Creating this delicious casserole is easier than you might think! The process breaks down into three simple parts: preparing the pasta mixture, making the meat sauce, and assembling the casserole.

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Pasta Base

First things first – preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions, but here’s a pro tip: cook it about 1 minute less than recommended for al dente. Why? Because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and this helps prevent it from becoming mushy.

While the pasta is cooking, in a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. When your pasta is done, drain it well but don’t rinse it! The starchy coating helps the creamy mixture adhere better. Add the hot pasta directly to your cream cheese mixture and toss until every strand is coated in that luscious, creamy goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat – nobody wants a greasy casserole! Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Does your kitchen smell amazing yet? Just wait until this goes into the oven!

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Now comes the fun part – layering! Spread half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top it with half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and then the remaining meat sauce.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer. The cheese will form that irresistible golden, bubbly crust that everyone fights over!

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. If you want an extra-golden top, you can switch to the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

Serving and Storage Tips

Allow the baked spaghetti to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired, which adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. The contrast between the rich, creamy pasta and the fresh, crisp salad creates a perfectly balanced meal.

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions on medium power.

You can also freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble completely but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

The Perfect Make-Ahead Meal Solution

In our busy lives, having reliable, delicious recipes that can be prepared in advance is invaluable. This creamy baked spaghetti is the answer to “What’s for dinner?” on those hectic weeknights. You can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and simply pop it in the oven when you get home from work.

Have you tried making baked spaghetti before? This cream cheese version might just become your new favorite comfort food! It’s the perfect blend of familiar and special – ordinary ingredients transformed into an extraordinary meal that’s sure to earn rave reviews from everyone at your table.