Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cups spaghetti sauce; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its finest. A rich, creamy layer of tangy cream cheese melted between seasoned ground beef and perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles, all topped with gooey, golden melted cheese. It’s like a dreamy marriage between lasagna and spaghetti, and it’s just the thing to warm hearts and fill bellies.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or need a potluck crowd-pleaser, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, it uses pantry staples and can easily be made ahead. It’s cheesy, satisfying, and pure dinner magic.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy and savory. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with a meaty tomato sauce, while the melted cheese on top gives you that irresistible golden-brown finish. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s ideal for weeknight meals, meal prep, or freezing for later.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can substitute it with other long noodles like linguine or fettuccine, or even short ones like penne or rotini. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue baking in the oven and you don’t want it to get too soft.

Ingredients for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Each component of this dish serves a delicious purpose, making it a cohesive, flavor-packed meal:

Spaghetti: Forms the base and gives that familiar pasta texture. Cook it al dente so it holds up in the oven.
Ground beef: Adds heartiness and rich flavor to the meat sauce.
Spaghetti sauce (jarred or homemade): Brings all the flavors together; choose a sauce with herbs or garlic for extra punch.
Cream cheese: The creamy layer that elevates the casserole. It melts beautifully into the pasta.
Mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melted top layer that gets perfectly golden.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty edge to the finish.
Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning: These seasonings enhance the savory profile of the meat and sauce.
Salt & pepper: Basic but essential for balancing flavors.

How To Make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add your spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Combine with Cream Cheese

While the pasta is still warm, toss it with the cream cheese until it’s well-coated and creamy.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the meat sauce, add all the cream cheese-coated spaghetti, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is best served hot and bubbly straight from the oven. It feeds 6 to 8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Pair it with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread to round out the meal.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.