Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

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If you’re in the mood for comfort food with a creamy twist, baked cream cheese spaghetti might just be your new obsession. This isn’t your average weeknight pasta dish—it’s a cozy casserole packed with layers of savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and spaghetti all tossed in smooth, tangy cream cheese. Once baked to golden, bubbly perfection, every bite feels like a warm hug from your oven.

Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or when you’re simply craving a filling, cheesy meal, this baked cream cheese spaghetti is the kind of dish that pleases everyone at the table. You can prep it in advance, pop it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready. It also reheats like a dream, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This recipe hits all the right notes of creamy, savory, and cheesy. The cream cheese adds a luscious tang that blends beautifully with the marinara sauce and beef. It’s the kind of dish that makes even picky eaters ask for seconds. The best part? It’s a one-pan bake that turns simple ingredients into something special with minimal effort.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Classic spaghetti is the go-to for this recipe, and for good reason. Its long strands grab onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every forkful is coated in flavor. However, if you want to switch it up, linguine or bucatini can also work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Ingredients for the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This dish brings pantry staples to life with a little help from a few rich ingredients. You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen. The magic lies in the combination of creamy and savory, which turns this baked spaghetti into something unforgettable.

• Spaghetti
• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Garlic cloves
• Cream cheese
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti just until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced yellow onion until the meat is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta with cream cheese until it’s fully melted and coats the spaghetti evenly. The heat from the pasta should soften the cream cheese, making it easier to mix.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble

In a baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce at the bottom. Add the cream cheese-coated spaghetti, then top with the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve and Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This recipe is hearty enough to feed 6 to 8 people, making it a perfect go-to for family dinners or casual gatherings. When it comes to serving, just scoop generous portions straight from the baking dish. The layers of creamy spaghetti and rich beef sauce hold together beautifully, so each serving looks as good as it tastes.

Leftovers? They reheat wonderfully. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 300°F until hot throughout. You can also freeze individual portions for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What to Serve With Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?

Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick, perfect for mopping up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

Its crisp romaine and zesty dressing add freshness to balance out the richness of the spaghetti.

Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots complement the savory flavors of the bake without overpowering it.

Sauteed Green Beans

A quick, garlicky green bean sauté adds a vibrant and healthy touch to your plate.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil in a light drizzle of balsamic glaze keeps things light and refreshing.

Stuffed Mushrooms

These make an elegant starter or side with cheesy or herby fillings that echo the flavors of the main dish.

Antipasto Skewers

Marinated olives, artichokes, and cured meats on a stick? Yes, please. They make the meal feel extra festive.

Simple Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and lightly tangy, it cuts through the richness of the baked spaghetti with ease.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti got you hooked on cozy casseroles, you might love these other crave-worthy favorites:

• Cheesy Baked Ziti is layered with marinara and bubbling cheese.
• One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta brings a spicy twist to creamy pasta nights.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli delivers rich flavor in every bite.
• Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake is a hearty dish perfect for comfort food cravings.
• Easy Baked Burrito Casserole if you’re leaning more Tex-Mex with your weeknight meals.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a layer of ricotta? Try a different cheese on top? Did the kids love it or did you keep it all to yourself?

I always love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions welcome too—we’re here to help each other cook better and eat happier.

Explore beautifully curated dinner and comfort food ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next family favorite:
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Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is one of those meals that turns a simple list of ingredients into something unexpectedly special. It’s rich, cozy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this is a dish you’ll want on repeat. And the best part? It’s just as enjoyable the second (or third) time around.

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