Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti night has always been a comforting tradition in my kitchen, but sometimes I like to elevate it just a bit—with creamy layers, savory beef, and bubbly cheese. That’s how this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole came to life. It’s a twist on a classic that combines everything we love about spaghetti with a rich and creamy base that holds up beautifully in the oven. I first made this dish on a busy weekday when I wanted something hearty yet simple. Since then, it’s become a staple—requested by friends, family, and even neighbors who’ve smelled it baking from across the street.

You will absolutely love this recipe because it brings comfort food to the next level. It’s creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and offers that baked goodness we all crave after a long day. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a casual weekend gathering, this casserole delivers. It’s the kind of dish that leaves everyone asking for seconds, and it reheats wonderfully, making leftovers something to look forward to.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can swap out the protein (I use seasoned ground beef), adjust the spice level, or even toss in vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a more nutritious version. You can make it ahead, freeze it for later, or even prepare it in individual ramekins for single servings. It’s easy to adapt based on what you have in your fridge, and it works just as well with whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free noodles.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples and affordable ingredients like spaghetti, cream cheese, ground beef, and shredded cheese, you can feed a whole family or group without spending much. You don’t need specialty ingredients or complicated techniques—just a simple layering process that comes together quickly and bakes beautifully.

Ingredients for the Recipe:

• 400g (about 14 oz) spaghetti

• 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened

• 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef (or beef alternative for dietary preferences)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 700ml (24 oz) marinara or tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 200g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is easier than it looks. The preparation is quick, the steps are simple, and the result is a dish that tastes like it took hours to create. This is one of my go-to recipes when I want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. The creamy layer of cream cheese adds a luxurious texture to the pasta, and when paired with the rich meat sauce and melted cheese topping, it becomes the ultimate comfort food.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, then set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes. This step infuses the beef with deep flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with a few tablespoons of warm water or pasta water to make it easier to spread. Mix until smooth and creamy. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs here for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish. Top it evenly with the cream cheese mixture, spreading it across the pasta as a middle layer. Then, add half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers: the remaining spaghetti, the rest of the meat sauce, and finally, a generous topping of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly. The aroma at this point is irresistible—it’s how you know dinner is almost ready.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve neat portions. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with a side of salad or garlic bread.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together quickly, especially if you prep your ingredients in advance. It requires minimal active cooking time and uses just one pan for the sauce and one dish for baking. You can even prepare it ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Customizable

It’s easy to make this casserole your own. You can swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey, or even use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra vegetables. Use a different cheese like cheddar or provolone if mozzarella isn’t your favorite.

Popular with Many People

This dish is a hit every single time. It appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or meal prep for the week. Everyone loves the creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, bake it as directed—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes very well. After assembling it, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual. You can also freeze it after baking—let it cool completely, portion it into containers, and reheat as needed.

What kind of spaghetti works best?
Traditional spaghetti works perfectly, but you can also use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spaghetti made from legumes or lentils if preferred. Just make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, you can make a lighter version by using low-fat cream cheese, lean ground turkey or chicken, and reduced-fat mozzarella. You can also reduce the quantity of cheese on top or use part-skim varieties.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. This recipe is very adaptable. You can sauté chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers and add them to the meat sauce or mix them into the cream cheese layer for extra flavor and nutrition.

Why is my cream cheese hard to spread?
If your cream cheese is too firm, it helps to let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. You can also mix in a few tablespoons of warm water or pasta water to make it smoother and easier to spread over the spaghetti layer.

Can I make this recipe without meat?
Yes, it works beautifully as a vegetarian dish. Simply omit the meat and sauté the onion and garlic with your favorite vegetables, or use plant-based ground meat alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.