Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

If you dream of cozy, cheesy comfort food that brings everyone around the table with smiles, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a divine twist on classic spaghetti, combining creamy layers of cream cheese and sour cream with hearty ground beef and rich marinara sauce, all topped with a blanket of bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan. The magic lies in its simplicity and that indulgent texture that only baking can perfect. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will become a favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe are simple, easy to find, and incredibly flavorful. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the creamy base, creating that meaty sauce, or adding the perfect golden cheesy crust.

• 12 oz spaghetti: The pasta base that soaks up all the creamy and savory flavors perfectly.
• 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty richness and a satisfying protein element to the dish.
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: Brings a vibrant tomato flavor that balances the creamy cheese.
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: The secret star for that ultra-smooth, luscious texture.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty kick that enhances every bite.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to form that irresistible bubbly and golden top.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the beef and adding a hint of richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly heated and ready when your casserole is assembled, so the cheese melts to golden perfection without overcooking the pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil your spaghetti until al dente according to package directions, making sure it still has a slight firmness because it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain it well and set aside so it’s ready to mix with the creamy base.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step brings out rich flavors and a hearty texture that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Let it simmer gently for five minutes over low heat so the flavors meld together perfectly before you remove it from the heat.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until silky smooth. This blend is the secret to a rich and velvety sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.

Step 6: Toss Spaghetti in Cream Cheese Mix

Add the cooked spaghetti to the creamy mixture and toss well to coat the noodles evenly. This is where the tempting layers of creamy goodness begin.

Step 7: Layer the First Half

Grease a large baking dish and spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly on the bottom. Layering in this way ensures every bite has a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Step 8: Add Half the Beef Sauce

Spread half of the marinara sauce with ground beef over the spaghetti layer, infusing the casserole with meaty, tomato-rich flavor throughout.

Step 9: Sprinkle Cheeses

Top the sauce with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. These cheeses will melt into a glorious topping that brings a salty, gooey contrast to the creamy pasta below.

Step 10: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layering process: the remaining creamy spaghetti, the rest of the meat sauce, and finish with the cheeses on top. This stacking technique builds a casserole full of delicious layers and cheesiness.

Step 11: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Covering traps heat and moisture, helping flavors blend and the cheese melt without drying out.

Step 12: Bake Uncovered to Brown Cheese

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is delightfully bubbly and golden brown, providing that irresistible crust everyone loves.

Step 13: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set up so it slices nicely. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that inviting pop of green and a little herbal freshness.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or basil leaves add a fresh, bright contrast to the rich, creamy casserole. A light dusting of extra Parmesan before serving is another lovely touch for cheeselovers.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness of the baked spaghetti beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this spaghetti casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy dinner vibe. Or scoop individual portions into ramekins and sprinkle with fresh herbs to impress guests with an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will remain rich and the dish reheats beautifully without drying out.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain the texture and flavor. Microwave reheating works too but cover to keep moisture in and avoid drying the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, feel free to swap in penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or add vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a fulfilling vegetarian version.

Can I substitute cream cheese with another type of cheese?

Cream cheese is key to that silky texture, but you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a similar creamy feel, keeping in mind these will slightly alter the taste.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy when baking?

Cooking the spaghetti al dente and not over-baking is the secret. Also, covering the dish during most of baking locks in moisture without sogginess.

What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?

Reheating in the oven is best to maintain texture and flavor. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out, and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, cheesy, full of comforting flavors, and simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the delicious magic that happens when cream cheese meets spaghetti in a cozy bake. Enjoy every bite!

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