Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti That’s Perfect for Dinner Recipe
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting dinner dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, enriched with cream cheese and sour cream for extra creaminess, and topped with a golden, melty mozzarella crust. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and Parmesan, it’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates classic spaghetti into a rich, baked casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti, cooked until just tender
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Creamy Mixture
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- Mix Creamy Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauces: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce, then stir in the creamy mixture until the pasta is evenly coated with a rich, creamy sauce.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the creamy spaghetti mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Cooking spaghetti al dente helps prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier melt.
- For added vegetables, consider mixing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach before baking.
