If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, cheesy hug, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the comforting textures of perfectly cooked spaghetti with the rich creaminess of softened cream cheese and sour cream, all layered with a hearty, flavorful beef and marinara sauce. Topped off with melty mozzarella that browns beautifully in the oven, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a show-stopping baked pasta that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or serving up something special for guests, this baked spaghetti offers a unique twist that’s both indulgent and unbelievably satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that each play an essential role in creating the rich taste, comforting texture, and vibrant appearance of this dish. The balance of creamy, savory, and herby components comes together seamlessly, proving that wonderful meals don’t have to be complicated.
- 1 pound of spaghetti: The perfect base for soaking up all the creamy and meaty flavors in every bite.
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened: Adds a luscious, silky texture that makes this baked spaghetti extra rich.
- 1 cup of sour cream: Gives a gentle tang and helps keep the cream cheese mixture smooth and light.
- 1 pound of ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a savory depth to balance the creaminess.
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce: Brings that classic tomato flavor with herbs that unify the dish beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic boost without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: Blends perfectly with the sauce to lift the flavor profile and provide that familiar Italian flair.
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection, creating a crowd-pleasing cheesy top.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out the best flavors of every component.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Spaghetti
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get things ready for baking later. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—firm but tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. This will ensure your noodles don’t turn mushy after baking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich blend will add a wonderful moistness and velvety texture to the layers of pasta, making the dish wonderfully indulgent.
Step 3: Cook and Season the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain out any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Stir in the jar of marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—seasoning is key for that perfect balance!
Step 4: Layer Your Spaghetti Bake
Grab a baking dish and create the perfect layered masterpiece by first spreading half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by the savory beef sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella on top. Then, repeat the layers once more: spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, beef sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This layering ensures each bite has a perfect harmony of creamy, hearty, and cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and is bubbly around the edges. This is the moment the mozzarella shines and the flavors fully develop—absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe even more visually appealing and flavorful, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top right after baking. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add a lovely finishing touch and a bit of brightness.
Side Dishes
This hearty baked spaghetti pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh side salads—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm focaccia on the side also complement the rich pasta by adding a crunchy, buttery contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve the baked spaghetti in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a personal touch. You can also layer it in clear glass dishes to show off its beautiful swirls of creamy cheese and bright tomato sauce. It’s comfort food with style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making for an even tastier meal the following day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing, so it maintains its creamy texture and fresh flavors when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual servings, just stir halfway through reheating to ensure even warmth and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, other pastas like penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli can be delicious alternatives that hold the creamy sauce well.
Is there a vegetarian option for this baked spaghetti?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a blend of your favorite veggies. Consider adding a bit more seasoning or even some beans to keep it hearty.
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese gives this recipe its unique richness, but you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different creaminess and texture. Just make sure to keep it smooth for the best layering effect.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is mild by default, but if you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes either in the sauce or as a garnish to kick up the spice.
What type of mozzarella cheese is best for this dish?
Regular shredded mozzarella works wonderfully here and melts nicely to create that perfect golden top. You could also try fresh mozzarella torn into pieces for a creamier, more luscious melt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting meal that brings joy with every forkful, don’t hesitate to try this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day and impresses without fuss. Gather your ingredients, follow these friendly steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that’s hard not to love. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and rich Italian-inspired casserole that combines tender spaghetti with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sour cream, savory ground beef marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a delightful cheesy twist on traditional spaghetti baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound of spaghetti
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of sour cream
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
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the sour cream until smooth and creamy to create a rich layer.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to let flavors meld, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Layers: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, then spread the cream cheese mixture over it, followed by the beef sauce, and sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers once more.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling it’s ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the spaghetti slightly al dente as it will cook further in the oven.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped onions or fresh herbs in the beef sauce.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
