Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, comforting pasta dish layered with creamy seasoned cream cheese spaghetti and a flavorful meat sauce, all baked together with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until fully coated.
- Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted golden cheese.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use mild, hot, or Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months.
- Try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian