Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti — Comfort in a Casserole Dish 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Perfect For: Cozy dinners, family meals, comfort food
Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti combines all the best parts of comfort food into one dish. The garlic cream cheese-coated spaghetti adds an incredibly creamy base, while the beef sauce gives it the perfect meaty richness. Top it all off with a gooey, cheesy layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, and you’ve got a meal that’s satisfying and indulgent. This baked spaghetti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions, until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it’s melted and smooth.
Add the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Beef Sauce
In another large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the beef is fully browned.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine. Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Cream Cheese Sauce
In the pot used for pasta, combine the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese sauce. Stir until the noodles are evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly across the bottom.
Pour the beef sauce over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
If you want a crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor, and serve hot!
Tips & Tricks
Garlic Lovers:
If you love garlic, you can add more minced garlic to both the cream cheese sauce and the beef sauce for an extra garlicky punch.
Garlic bread on the side is a perfect addition to scoop up the creamy sauce!
Meat Variations:
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even ground chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
Extra Cheese:
For a cheesier version, add more mozzarella and Parmesan between the layers. You can also sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top before baking for an even more decadent dish.
Veggie Add-ins:
To add some veggies, you can stir in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the beef sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
Make Ahead:
This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
Final Bite: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the definition of cozy comfort food. The creamy, cheesy pasta combined with the savory beef sauce and melted cheese makes it the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner table!