Grandma’s Secret Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe You’ll Love

Baked cream cheese spaghetti changes an ordinary pasta dish into a creamy, comforting masterpiece that effortlessly captures your heart.

Warm, rich layers of tender noodles intertwine with smooth, tangy cream cheese, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms your soul.

Familiar flavors dance together, elevating this classic comfort food to an irresistible new level.

Families and friends gather around the table, drawn by the irresistible aroma and promise of pure deliciousness.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe bridges home cooking with gourmet sensibilities.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through textures and tastes that comfort and surprise.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Hits the Spot

• Creamy Comfort Fusion: This recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a rich, indulgent casserole that blends Italian-American flavors with a luxurious cream cheese twist.
• Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: The simple layering method and minimal prep time make this dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, delivering maximum taste with minimal kitchen stress.
• Texture Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast between the soft, creamy cheese mixture, tender spaghetti, and the slightly crispy golden cheese topping that adds exciting mouthfeel to every bite.

Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Main Ingredients:

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta for creating a hearty and comforting base with perfect texture and ability to hold sauce well.

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides rich, savory flavor and substantial meat component for the dish.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth, tangy base with rich texture and depth of flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and adds golden, bubbly topping to the casserole.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides robust, traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient seasoning that adds instant aromatic garlic taste without chopping fresh garlic.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces complex, traditional Italian herb notes to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor of the recipe.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Spaghetti the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.

Drain excess fat.

Step 5: Build the Beef Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Simmer for 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

In a baking dish, create layers:

• Half of the spaghetti
• Cream cheese mixture
• Beef sauce
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

• Remaining spaghetti
• Remaining cream cheese mixture
• Remaining beef sauce
• Remaining mozzarella cheese

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Baked Spaghetti Tips for Creamy Goodness

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Toss cooked spaghetti with a little olive oil to keep noodles separate and prevent clumping before assembling the casserole.
• Achieve Creamy Texture: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother blending and more even distribution throughout the dish.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce for a subtle kick that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Control Moisture Level: Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the casserole watery.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make slicing easier.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Spaghetti

• Refrigeration: Transfer any remaining Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti into an airtight container. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish maintains its delicious flavors when properly chilled.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce if the pasta seems too dry.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store frozen portions for up to 2 months.

Delicious Sides for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Pop Perfect Wine Pairing: Grab a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, creamy beef sauce and cut through the cheesy layers.
• Zest Up Your Side Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to balance the hearty pasta dish and add fresh, tangy notes.
• Crunch with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the creamy spaghetti.
• Cool Down with Refreshing Drink: Pour a chilled glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light Italian-style beer to cleanse the palate between bites of this indulgent meal.

Tasty Variations on Baked Spaghetti Dishes

• Veggie Lover's Pasta: Replace ground beef with sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Add spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy Southwest Spaghetti: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add taco seasoning to the beef for a zesty kick. Top with fresh cilantro before serving.
• Mediterranean Inspired Bake: Swap marinara for tomato sauce, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, and mix in kalamata olives and fresh basil. Sprinkle oregano for authentic Greek flavors.
• Chicken Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a leaner protein option. Season with herbs to enhance the meat's flavor profile.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich Italian-inspired baked cream cheese spaghetti delivers comfort and indulgence in one hearty casserole. Layers of creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta create a crowd-pleasing dinner you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) package cream cheese, softened

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti
• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a spacious baking dish for the culinary creation.
2. Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions until perfectly tender, ensuring a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Whisk cream cheese and sour cream in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, crumble ground beef into the pan, and cook until no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
5. Incorporate marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the browned beef. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading half the cooked spaghetti as a foundation.
7. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti, ensuring even coverage.
8. Ladle the seasoned beef sauce uniformly across the cream cheese layer.
9. Generously sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
10. Repeat the layering process with remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, beef sauce, and cheese.
11. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by having all ingredients measured and ready before starting to cook.
• Choose lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter and reduce excess grease.
• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery layers that can make the casserole soggy.
• Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Check the casserole after 20 minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook and become dry.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 463 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 687 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg