Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings together all the best parts of Italian-American cooking — creamy pasta, hearty meat sauce, and golden bubbly cheese — then this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole deserves a spot on your table. It’s rich, satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings.
What makes this recipe special is the irresistible creamy layer made from cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and Italian spices. It melts into the spaghetti as it bakes, creating a luscious, velvety base. Then, a robust, savory meat sauce is poured over the top, followed by a generous blanket of mozzarella that melts into a golden, bubbly finish. Every bite feels like comfort in casserole form.
This dish strikes a perfect balance between creamy and savory, cheesy and hearty, making it a go-to for anyone who loves baked pasta. And the best part? It’s extremely simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. Whether you’re feeding a large family or hosting a casual get-together, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal hassle.
Below is everything you need to create this delicious casserole in your own kitchen.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
For the Pasta
12 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Meat Sauce
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Topping
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook until al dente.
Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
Combine until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion.
Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Drain any excess grease.
Stir in marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, add the cooked spaghetti.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Pour the meat sauce on top and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over everything.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Top with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if you like.
Tips for the Best Casserole
This recipe is already rich and delicious, but a few small tweaks can help you customize it to your taste and lifestyle.
Adding red pepper flakes brings just enough heat to balance the creaminess. If you want more flavor depth, swap the ground beef for Italian sausage — it gives the sauce a bold, savory kick. For extra veggies, you can stir sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers into the meat sauce.
This casserole is also meal-prep friendly. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until baking time, which makes it ideal for busy families or holiday gatherings. Leftovers store beautifully and reheat well in the oven or air fryer, keeping the pasta from getting soggy.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish combines three powerful comfort-food elements: creamy pasta, hearty meat sauce, and golden melted cheese. The cream cheese mixture adds richness and helps the spaghetti stay moist during baking. The meat sauce brings robust flavor, while the mozzarella topping provides that perfect cheesy finish. Together, the layers bake into a cohesive casserole that’s easy to slice, serve, and enjoy.
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers satisfying flavor with straightforward steps, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is absolutely worth adding to your dinner rotation. It’s warm, cozy, and sure to become a household favorite.
