Irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy, cheesy pasta nights just got an upgrade with this irresistible baked cream cheese spaghetti that promises pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners call for simple yet delectable solutions that satisfy every craving.

This mouthwatering dish combines classic spaghetti with rich, velvety cream cheese for an unexpected twist.

The harmonious blend of tender pasta and melted cheese creates a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Packed with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to add this crowd-pleasing spaghetti to your regular rotation of go-to dinner options.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Ingredient Essentials

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the base for this hearty casserole dish.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that adds robust flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth layer that adds richness to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a stretchy, melty topping that brings a classic cheese flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor.
• Sour Cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds a subtle tangy note to the cheese mixture.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a mild, aromatic garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian taste to the recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

Kitchen Tools for Creamy Baked Spaghetti Success

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and simmering sauce perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: Crucial for blending cream cheese and sour cream smoothly.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked spaghetti quickly and efficiently.
• Baking dish: Key for layering ingredients and creating a delicious casserole.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring beef sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grated mozzarella if desired.

Simple Steps to Creamy Baked Spaghetti at Home

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Tame The Pasta

Boil the spaghetti until it’s perfectly tender, then rescue it from the water and set it aside to rest.

Step 3: Whip The Creamy Base

Grab a mixing bowl and transform cream cheese and sour cream into a silky smooth mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Sizzle The Beef

Toss ground beef into a hot skillet and cook it until it’s fully transformed, golden and delicious.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 5: Build The Flavor Bomb

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Let everything simmer and mingle for 5 minutes.

Hit it with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra zest.

Step 6: Create The Ultimate Layered Masterpiece

• First layer of spaghetti
• Cream cheese mixture
• Beef sauce
• Sprinkle of mozzarella

Repeat these layers for maximum deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling with excitement.

Tips for the Silkiest, Cheesiest Spaghetti Bake

• Choose high-quality spaghetti and cook exactly to al dente for the best texture and mouthfeel.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a silky, lump-free consistency.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil to enhance the marinara sauce's depth and complexity.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Creative Mix-Ins for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a meat-free version of the dish.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables to the meal.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Swap marinara sauce with crushed tomatoes, add feta cheese, and incorporate oregano and black olives for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

The Best Ways to Serve Up Spaghetti Bake

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Easily transportable and sure to be a hit at any gathering, this dish serves a crowd with minimal effort.
• Italian-Inspired Comfort: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to create a complete meal that feels like a warm hug from an Italian grandmother.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, creamy flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for a restaurant-quality dining experience.

How to Store Cream Cheese Spaghetti for Seconds

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring to remove excess air, and store for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place spaghetti in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is not inherently spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want to increase the heat level.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cuts of ground meat, buy cheese on sale, and look for discounted marinara sauce to reduce overall cost.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Is So Comforting

• This recipe welcomes creative twists by swapping ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even making it vegetarian with plant-based protein.
• Combines classic spaghetti and creamy cheese layers that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing even beginner cooks to create a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques.
• Reduces kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish approach, saving time and effort while delivering a delicious, hearty meal that satisfies hunger and taste buds.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy homemade Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti combines rich textures and comforting Italian flavors in one delightful casserole. Pasta enthusiasts will savor this simple yet satisfying meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened

Pasta and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sour cream

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Elevate the oven temperature to 350F (175C), creating an ideal environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Immerse spaghetti strands in boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight resistance, then carefully drain and set aside.
3. Whisk cream cheese and sour cream together in a mixing bowl until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
4. Transform ground beef in a hot skillet, cooking thoroughly until no pink remains, then eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
5. Infuse the beef with robust marinara, sprinkle in garlic powder and Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld for 5 minutes while seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Construct a delectable layered masterpiece in a baking dish: spread a base of spaghetti, generously coat with cream cheese mixture, cascade beef sauce overtop, and crown with a lavish sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layering process for maximum flavor complexity.
7. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, transforming it through 25-30 minutes of heat until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape of deliciousness.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier blending and smoother texture.
• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure creamy consistency.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
• Customize by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for dietary alternatives.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar or parmesan for varied flavor profiles.
• Make ahead and refrigerate assembled dish, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.
• Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg