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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a comforting twist on a classic pasta dish. With layers of al dente spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a luscious cream cheese mixture topped with bubbly mozzarella, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. The recipe is versatile enough to accommodate substitutions and additional veggies, making it both indulgent and adaptable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 12 oz spaghetti about ¾ of a 1-lb box
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage substitute with turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative if desired
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce homemade sauce can also be used
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the finely diced onion until the meat is fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Pour in the marinara or spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta, and add the remaining spaghetti on top.
  7. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the layered pasta. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and dot with small pieces of butter.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, and it reheats beautifully. Feel free to substitute the meat with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative, and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition. Serve alongside a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.