Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
If you love pasta bakes, this Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is a must-try! It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor – the perfect family dinner that feels cozy and indulgent.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (a minute less than package directions since it will bake). Drain well and set aside.
- Make the meat sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Stir in ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
- Pour in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Prepare the creamy layer
- In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. This is what gives the casserole its irresistible creaminess.
- Assemble the casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti in the bottom.
- Top with half of the cream cheese mixture, then half of the meat sauce.
- Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cream mixture, and sauce.
- Add the cheesy topping
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake until golden
- Place in the oven uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly with slightly browned edges.
- Serve & enjoy
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve warm with garlic bread or a green salad.
Pro Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve (add 10 minutes to baking time).
- Freezer friendly: Wrap tightly in foil before baking and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Protein swap: Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work wonderfully in place of ground beef.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 460 | 24g | 38g | 22g | 3g | 7g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
This Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and family-approved. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep.