Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

1-Pan Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Adapt this recipe easily to suit different dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian: Swap ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or vegan crumbles.

  • Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free spaghetti and sauce.

  • Low-Carb/Keto: Replace pasta with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.

  • Low-Fat: Use reduced-fat cream cheese, mozzarella, and sour cream.

  • Dairy-Free: Opt for plant-based cheeses and dairy alternatives.

These adjustments let everyone enjoy the rich, comforting experience of this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Benefits and Advantages of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This isn’t just your average pasta bake. Here’s why this baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is the dinner hero you’ve been waiting for:

1. Comfort Meets Convenience

This one-pan wonder combines the familiar flavors of spaghetti and meat sauce with a creamy, cheesy twist. Plus, it’s oven-baked, so once assembled, you can sit back while the magic happens.

2. Meal-Prep Friendly

Make it on Sunday and enjoy delicious reheatable servings throughout the week. It’s an ideal solution for busy professionals, students, or parents juggling packed schedules.

3. Budget-Friendly

With simple pantry staples like spaghetti, cheese, and marinara sauce, this recipe is a cost-effective way to feed a crowd or stretch your grocery budget.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can switch up proteins, sauces, or pasta types to match your mood or what you have on hand. Add veggies, use spicy sausage, or toss in spinach — it’s all delicious.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

Cheesy, meaty, and satisfying — this recipe is a hit with kids, adults, and picky eaters. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

How to Prepare the Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to build the best-ever baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole recipe, one simple step at a time:

First Step: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Second Step: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Third Step: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.

Fourth Step: Make the Meat Sauce

Stir in the marinara or spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fifth Step: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together:

  • 8 oz softened cream cheese

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup ricotta cheese

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

  • ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese



Blend until smooth and creamy.

Sixth Step: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

  2. Layer the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce.

  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti.

  4. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the creamy layer.

  5. Sprinkle with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.

Seventh Step: Bake It

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

Eighth Step: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm.

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