If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef and marinara sauce, this dish takes classic spaghetti to a whole new, indulgent level. Whether it’s a family meal or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of creamy richness and hearty flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet crucial, each ingredient in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture, from the smooth cream cheese that adds lusciousness to the savory ground beef and tangy marinara that bring the dish to life.
- 1 pound of spaghetti: Choose good-quality spaghetti to ensure it holds up well when baked without turning mushy.
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened: Softening the cream cheese first makes it easier to blend, giving the sauce a silky smooth texture.
- 1 cup of sour cream: Adds a slight tang and creamy consistency that complements the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1 pound of ground beef: Provides hearty protein and richness, the savory backbone of your dish.
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce: Use your favorite marinara to bring a vibrant tomato flavor and moisture to the layers.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden crust that makes this pasta irresistible.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing out all the wonderful flavors in the dish.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Starting with the right temperature ensures your spaghetti casserole bakes evenly and develops that perfect golden, bubbly top.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Next, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is al dente—meaning tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain well to avoid excess water that could make the dish soupy. Set it aside while you prepare the other elements.
Step 3: Blend the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, gently blend the softened cream cheese with sour cream until you create a smooth, creamy mixture. This rich blend will bring a luscious texture and tangy balance to the baked layers.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat for a cleaner, lighter sauce. Properly cooking and draining the beef prevents greasiness while preserving flavor.
Step 5: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Stir the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the browned beef. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Now comes the fun part. In your baking dish, start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Dollop and spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the pasta, then layer the savory beef sauce on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the layers. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese blend, beef sauce, and finish with the last of the mozzarella. These layers create a deliciously creamy and hearty ensemble.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled dish for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese on top is beautifully golden and bubbling. This is when all the flavors have come together, and the textures are perfectly melded into a warm, creamy casserole that’s ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of freshness and color, consider sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over the baked spaghetti just before serving. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can also add an extra cheesy kick and enhance the flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve individual portions in cute ramekins or small casserole dishes to make everyone feel like they have their own personal lasagna-like delight. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for guests who enjoy a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily refrigerate any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings but be sure to cover to prevent drying out the pasta and cheese.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, you can swap it for penne, rotini, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or vegetarian meat substitutes. This will keep the hearty texture while making it meat-free.
How can I make this dish less rich?
Try using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, lean ground turkey instead of beef, and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
To soften cream cheese quickly, cut it into smaller cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts of 10 seconds, stirring in between, until smooth but not melted.
Can I prepare the layers ahead and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the dish the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats all the way through.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those comforting, special dishes that’s surprisingly easy to prepare but feels like a feast every time. Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and share the joy of this creamy, cheesy spaghetti casserole with your loved ones. You’re going to love it!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti combines creamy, cheesy layers with savory ground beef and marinara sauce for a comforting and hearty pasta casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this baked spaghetti is rich, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound of spaghetti
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Beef 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare 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 off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the browned beef. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Layers: In a baking dish, start with half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, then spoon the beef sauce on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers once more with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, beef sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, ensuring all flavors blend beautifully.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the beef sauce for extra nutrition.
- Let the baked pasta rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
