
Below is a detailed, unique, well-structured article about Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole, complete with a step-by-step method.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole — The Ultimate Comfort Dish You’ll Make on Repeat
If you’re looking for a dish that is hearty, creamy, wonderfully cheesy, and capable of feeding a hungry crowd, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the hero you didn’t know you needed. It takes the nostalgic comfort of classic spaghetti and elevates it into a rich, baked casserole with layers of flavor, velvety cream cheese, and a bubbling cheesy topping.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
⭐ Why This Casserole Works
- Cream cheese transforms the pasta into a luxuriously silky, tangy base.
- Layered assembly gives every bite a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Budget-friendly ingredients make it accessible while still tasting restaurant-level.
- Make-ahead friendly — ideal for meal prepping!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta Layer:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional but recommended for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt & pepper
For Baking:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley (optional) for garnish
🍝 Step-By-Step Guide: How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1 — Boil the Spaghetti
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving a small splash of pasta water to help loosen the cream cheese mixture later if needed.
Step 2 — Prepare the Creamy Pasta Base
- In a large bowl, combine:
- softened cream cheese
- sour cream (if using)
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- Stir until smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
- Add the warm spaghetti to the bowl. The heat will help melt the cream cheese mixture and allow it to coat every strand. Toss well so the pasta becomes fully creamy and velvety.
Step 3 — Make the Savory Meat Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Drain excess fat.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.









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