Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
A warm and comforting baked casserole combining rich cream cheese, flavorful meat, and cheese for a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Creamy Base
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) Make sure it's softened for easier mixing.
- ½ cup sour cream (optional) Optional, but adds creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with turkey or meat substitutes.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce Use your favorite brand.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Extra Parmesan For topping.
- Butter for greasing Use to grease the baking dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente; drain well.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage with chopped onion, then add minced garlic and marinara sauce; simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder; add hot spaghetti and mix until coated.
- Grease a baking dish with butter and layer the spaghetti mixture, followed by the meat sauce, and then top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Notes
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Pair with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.