Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a creamy, comforting casserole that’s perfect for weeknight family dinners or potlucks. It’s simple to prepare and not overly heavy, combining al dente spaghetti with a rich cream cheese mixture, a savory meat and marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese on top. Herbs and a touch of spice elevate the flavors, while fresh parsley adds a bright finish.
This baked spaghetti works well as written, but if you prefer, swap the pasta for a different shape or omit it for a lower-carb version—the creamy cheese and meat sauce still make a satisfying meal. Serve straight from the oven for a cozy, home-cooked dinner everyone will enjoy.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat and cook pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the meat sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Mix the cheeses:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble:
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cream cheese mixture over the pasta, then spoon half of the meat sauce on top. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Finish with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan sprinkled evenly across the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Enjoy this creamy, comforting Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti—an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s likely to become a regular at your table.
Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti
A creamy, comforting baked spaghetti layered with a tangy cream cheese mixture and a savory meat-marinara sauce—simple to make and great for sharing.
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IngredientsEquipmentMethod
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
-
Large pot
-
Mixing bowls
-
9×13-inch baking dish
-
Skillet
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Whisk
-
Aluminum foil
Method
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
-
In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in marinara, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
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Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese in a bowl, mixing until smooth.
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Layer half the spaghetti in a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the cream cheese mixture, and top with half the meat sauce. Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
-
Cook Time: 45 minutes
-
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
-
Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings): Calories 450; Total Fat 25g; Saturated Fat 13g; Cholesterol 90mg; Sodium 800mg; Total Carbohydrate 30g; Dietary Fiber 3g; Sugars 6g; Protein 25g.
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Enjoy this creamy, comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.