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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This comforting casserole is a delicious twist on the classic pasta bake, featuring a creamy layer of tangy cream cheese and a golden, bubbly mozzarella crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s a crowd-pleaser with rich Italian flavors and versatile substitutions to suit your taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Meat Sauce
  • 12 oz spaghetti about ¾ of a 1-lb box
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Strainer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the finely diced onion over medium heat until the meat loses its pink color. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Stir in the marinara or spaghetti sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
  6. Lightly butter a 9×13 baking dish. Start by layering half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom of the dish.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer. Then, add the remaining spaghetti on top.
  8. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and dot with the butter pieces.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has formed a golden crust.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

This casserole is wonderfully versatile. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or go vegetarian by using mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based crumbles. If you can’t find Italian seasoning, a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works well. Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator and can be reheated for a comforting meal the next day.