Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti Casserole
When the weather cools down and the breeze gets sharp, I instantly start reaching for meals that scream comfort—those warm, cheesy casseroles that feel like a blanket in a dish. And honestly, few recipes hit that cozy sweet spot quite like this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake.
I still remember the first time I made it. I wasn’t convinced that tossing hot pasta with cream cheese would amount to anything special. Then I took a bite—and that was it. The cream cheese melts perfectly, turning into a smooth, silky coating on every noodle. Add in tangy marinara, seasoned beef, and a melty blanket of cheese on top, and you’ve got a casserole that feels absolutely irresistible.
It quickly became a go-to recipe in my house—great for weeknights, potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you need something hearty and satisfying. And the bonus? It reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as good the next day.
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti | 12 oz |
| Marinara or spaghetti sauce | 1 jar (24 oz) |
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 lb |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove |
| Cream cheese, softened & cubed | 8 oz |
| Grated Parmesan | ½ cup |
| Shredded mozzarella | 2 cups |
👩🍳 Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and place back into the pot.
Create the creamy base
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the warm noodles.
- Stir until it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
Prepare the meat sauce
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease.
- Add Italian seasoning and garlic; cook for another minute.
- Pour in marinara and simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the casserole
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add the cream cheese spaghetti in an even layer.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Finish with the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake & enjoy
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
✨ This casserole is comforting, rich, and always a crowd favorite—like getting a warm hug with every forkful.
