Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz spaghetti; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Craving a hearty comfort meal that comes together with creamy layers, savory meat sauce, and bubbling cheese? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is everything you love about traditional spaghetti—but with a luscious, tangy twist. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing dinner that feels special yet is ridiculously easy to make. Perfect for potlucks, weeknights, or a cozy weekend bake.

What makes this dish stand out? It all starts with the cream cheese. When blended with hot spaghetti and layered with a meaty marinara sauce, it creates a rich and velvety base that gets even better under a golden layer of melted cheese. One bite, and you’ll understand why this spaghetti casserole has earned its spot as a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Ultra creamy texture thanks to the cream cheese that coats every noodle.
Cheesy and baked to golden perfection with a layer of mozzarella and parmesan.
Hearty and satisfying with savory ground beef or sausage and tangy marinara.
Easy to prep ahead and bake when ready.
Freezer-friendly — make it once, enjoy it twice!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the layers of flavor, make sure your kitchen is ready with the essentials:

Large Pot: For boiling spaghetti to al dente. A roomy pot keeps noodles from clumping.
Skillet: Essential for browning your ground beef or sausage and combining it with marinara.
Mixing Bowl: To blend hot pasta with cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
9×13 Baking Dish: The perfect size for assembling and baking the casserole evenly.
Silicone Spatula or Tongs: For mixing without breaking the pasta.
Aluminum Foil: To cover during the first half of baking to prevent the cheese from burning.

Ingredients for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Spaghetti: Forms the foundation of this dish. Choose a classic spaghetti or thin spaghetti to soak up the sauce without getting mushy.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show. It melts into the pasta, making it irresistibly rich and creamy.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds hearty, savory flavor. Either option works beautifully depending on your preference.
Marinara Sauce: Brings tang and depth. Choose your favorite jarred brand or make it homemade.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples boost the overall flavor profile.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a herby touch that balances the creaminess.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, golden melted top.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, umami richness to the cheesy layer.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.

How To Make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Pasta Base

While the pasta is still hot, mix it in a large bowl with softened cream cheese until fully coated and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half the meat sauce, followed by all the cream cheese-coated spaghetti. Top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve and Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole shines as a main dish and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. When serving, let it rest for 5 minutes out of the oven for cleaner slices and better flavor.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. You can also freeze individual portions for quick meals—just wrap them tightly and thaw before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can fully assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni also work well. Just make sure to cook them al dente.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute with ricotta or a mix of sour cream and shredded mozzarella for a different kind of creaminess.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the oven, cover with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through. In the microwave, reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the meat and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a satisfying vegetarian version.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, don’t stop here. These other cozy and creative casseroles from the Kitchen by Kate collection are worth exploring:

Try the ultra-creamy Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a cheesy pasta night.
Dig into French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for savory, deep flavor layers.
For an Italian twist, the Authentic Italian-Style Spaghetti Bake is a must-try.
Want more ground beef comfort? Check out the Minimal Ingredient Hobo Casserole.
Or go for cheesy bliss with Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti.

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And I’d love to hear how your casserole turned out! Did you add fresh herbs? Switch up the cheese? Let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s make every bake better together.