Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food dish, blending tender spaghetti with a creamy cheese sauce and savory meat, all finished to bubbly perfection in the oven. This family-friendly casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With rich flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a surefire hit for anyone who loves pasta.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. When the meat is about halfway cooked, add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the meat is cooked through and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat if needed, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. If needed, microwave for 20 seconds to soften further for easier mixing.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture, tossing until the noodles are evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with the meat sauce, spreading it over the noodles. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If you like a golden top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch carefully).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
