Description
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake layered with savory meat sauce and melty mozzarella. A family favorite comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or freezer-friendly options.
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
Instructions
1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain grease.
3. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the meat. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine hot spaghetti with softened cream cheese. Mix until fully coated and smooth.
5. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, all of the cream cheese spaghetti, then the rest of the sauce.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Soften cream cheese at room temperature to make it easier to blend with pasta.
Use a silicone spatula to avoid breaking the noodles while mixing.
Let the dish rest after baking for cleaner slices and better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 495
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg