A Cheesy, Savory Comfort Dish That’s Impossible to Resist
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole layers rich, creamy cream cheese with hearty marinara, seasoned ground beef, and gooey mozzarella for a comforting baked pasta dish that everyone will love. With every bite delivering a perfect mix of flavors and textures, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner.
Comfort food just got upgraded!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Cheesy Heaven: The cream cheese layer adds a luxurious twist to classic spaghetti casserole.
- 🍝 Pasta Perfection: Al dente spaghetti soaks up all the flavor without getting soggy.
- 🥩 Beef & Braise Flavor: Ground beef gives depth and protein—perfect for hearty eaters.
- ⏱️ Easy Layering Process: No boiling or mixing required—just assemble and bake.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Ideal at family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Pasta Layer:
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles (or penne/fettuccine)
- Pinch of salt (for boiling water)
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened (room temperature for smooth blending)
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp each oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, plant-based meat, or lentils for vegetarian version)
- 24 oz (3 cups) marinara or spaghetti sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cheesy Top:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly grated melts best)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Fresh parsley , chopped (optional – for color and freshness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter—set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot of salted boiling water , cook:
- Spaghetti noodles until al dente (about 8–10 minutes)
Drain well and set aside while preparing other layers.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a bowl, mix:
- Softened cream cheese
- Minced garlic
- Italian seasoning
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Set aside—it should be thick but spreadable.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat:
- Cook ground beef until browned and crumbled
- Drain excess fat
- Stir in ½ cup marinara sauce to keep it moist and flavorful
Set aside while assembling everything.
Step 5: Layer Like a Pro
Start with a base of marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan.
Layer:
- Half the cooked spaghetti noodles
- Half the cream cheese mixture , spread evenly
- Half the remaining sauce
- Half the beef mixture
- Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella + ¼ cup Parmesan
Repeat layers:
- Spaghetti
- Cream cheese
- Sauce
- Beef
- Mozzarella + Parmesan
Top final layer with extra mozzarella and Parmesan if desired.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbling
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes .
Remove foil and continue baking for 10–15 more minutes , until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing—it helps hold shape better.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve Hot
Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Serve warm with garlic bread, salad, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Each bite brings together:
- Silky cream cheese swirls
- Hearty meat-sauce layers
- And stretchy, golden cheese on top
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Room-Temp Cream Cheese: Prevents lumps and ensures even spreading.
- 🧁 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake fresh when ready to serve.
- 🧀 Double Cheese It: Add ricotta or goat cheese into the cream cheese layer for more complexity.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and add mushrooms, spinach, or lentils instead.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely and freeze slices or the whole casserole—thaw and reheat later.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect at family dinners, school lunches, or church potlucks.
- Great with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or garlic knots.
- Ideal with red wine, iced tea, or a cold glass of milk.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings – approximate):
(With regular cheese and beef – per slice)
- Calories: ~500 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~6g
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring—it can be bold, cheesy, and totally unforgettable. With its rich layers and savory Italian spices—it’s a must-bake for any pasta lover.
So go ahead and make this tonight… because once you try it—you’ll be making it again and again!
