Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482919H45M57S
Total time: PT-482919H45M57S
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1 small onion, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley

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When it comes to family-friendly dinners that tick all the boxes—comforting, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious—it’s hard to top a baked spaghetti casserole. But this isn’t just any casserole. This is the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole—an elevated twist on a classic dish that’s layered with creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce. Trust me, your dinner table is about to become everyone’s favorite spot.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

I’ve made my fair share of casseroles, but this one? It’s something special. It combines the rich, tangy flavors of cream cheese and sour cream with the savory depth of a classic marinara meat sauce. The best part? It’s topped with a blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan that bubbles to perfection in the oven. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a cozy dinner gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Getting Started: Prepping the Essentials

Before we dive into the fun part—layering and baking—let’s get the basics down. This recipe is all about working in steps to create those irresistible layers.

1️⃣ Cook Your Spaghetti

First things first: your spaghetti needs to be perfectly cooked. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (Pro tip: generously salted water is the key to flavorful pasta!) Toss in 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook until it’s al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cools slightly, you’ll want to prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Let’s Talk Sauce: Heart of the Dish

The sauce in this casserole isn’t just a filler—it’s the soul of the dish. Here’s how to create a sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds:

2️⃣ Sauté and Simmer

In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one small, diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add 1 pound of ground beef (or turkey if you prefer a leaner option). Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Once the meat is fully cooked, drain off any excess grease. Now, stir in a jar of marinara sauce (about 24 ounces) and sprinkle in your seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let this flavorful mix simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld together.

The Secret Weapon: Creamy Cheese Layer

While the sauce is simmering, it’s time to prep the ingredient that takes this casserole to the next level: the creamy cheese mixture.

3️⃣ Mix the Creamy Goodness

In a large bowl, combine:

8 ounces of softened cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta, if you prefer)

Mix everything together until smooth. Don’t forget to stir in half of your shredded mozzarella (about 1 cup). The result? A velvety, tangy layer that will make every bite extra indulgent.

Building the Masterpiece: Assembling and Baking Your Casserole

Now that we’ve prepped the spaghetti, sauce, and creamy cheese mixture, it’s time to put everything together. The layering process is where this casserole truly comes to life. Each layer adds a new dimension of flavor, creating a dish that’s equal parts comforting and indulgent.

4️⃣ Assembling the Casserole

Here’s where the magic happens. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy cleanup later.

Layer 1: The Spaghetti Base

Start by spreading the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The pasta acts as the foundation for all the layers to come. If your spaghetti seems a little dry, you can toss it with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of marinara sauce before adding it to the dish.

Layer 2: The Creamy Cheese Mixture

Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, ensuring every bite of pasta will be coated in this rich, velvety layer. Trust me, this is what makes the casserole so irresistibly creamy and satisfying.

Layer 3: The Marinara Meat Sauce

Now, pour the simmered marinara meat sauce over the creamy layer. Use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly, making sure all the creamy cheese goodness is covered. This layer adds the perfect balance of hearty and savory flavors.

Layer 4: The Cheesy Topping

Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella (about 1 cup) over the top. For that extra layer of indulgence, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. As the casserole bakes, these cheeses will melt into a golden, bubbly topping that’s impossible to resist.

5️⃣ Baking to Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

(Pro tip: For a little extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.)

6️⃣ The Final Touch: Garnish and Serve

Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps the layers set and makes slicing and serving much easier.

For an optional garnish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top. It adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

To make sure your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole comes out flawless every time, keep these tips in mind:

Choose the Right Pasta: Spaghetti works best because it holds the layers together, but you could substitute it with linguine or fettuccine if you’re in a pinch.
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese won’t blend as smoothly.
Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your marinara sauce before assembling. If it feels too mild, add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For the best results, shred your own mozzarella and Parmesan.

Variations to Try

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun variations to experiment with:

Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers instead.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinara sauce.
Extra Protein: Layer in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for an even heartier dish.

FAQs and Final Thoughts on Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

By now, your kitchen is probably filled with the heavenly aroma of bubbling marinara, melty cheese, and perfectly baked spaghetti. But before you dig in (or while you’re enjoying your first slice), let’s tackle some frequently asked questions and wrap up this recipe with a few final thoughts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes and then bake as directed.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then cover it with foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat, cover individual portions with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20 minutes). For a quick option, microwave individual portions on medium power to avoid overcooking the cheese.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Certainly! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.

5. Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?

For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey instead of beef, low-fat cream cheese, and part-skim mozzarella. You can also swap out the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use a reduced-sodium marinara sauce.

6. How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground meat and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add a layer of cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles for extra protein.

7. What sides go well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs perfectly with a fresh garden salad and crusty garlic bread. For a heartier meal, add roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus on the side.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something truly magical about comfort food, and this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is no exception. From the creamy cheese layer that feels like a warm hug to the rich, flavorful meat sauce that ties it all together, every bite is a celebration of home-cooked goodness. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together—whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday supper.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations or share your own creative twists in the comments. Have fun, enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite. After all, the best meals are the ones that bring a little joy to your table.