Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti – Easy Spaghetti Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

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Looking for easy spaghetti recipes with a creamy twist? This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food. With a rich cream cheese layer, hearty meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese topping, it’s one of those easy recipes for dinner the whole family will love. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking on a budget, or just want a quick and easy recipe, this spaghetti bake checks all the boxes. It’s also a great option for those craving comforting pasta without too much effort. Perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with minimal work.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
4) How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
5) Tips for Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
6) Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
8) Try these Casserole Recipes next!
9) Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick and easy baked spaghetti dish for weeknight dinners.
Uses common pantry ingredients with minimal prep time.
Great option for meal prepping and reheating.
Customizable with various cheeses or protein swaps.

2) Easy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

When it comes to easy spaghetti recipes, this baked cream cheese spaghetti is at the top of the list. From the creamy texture to the gooey cheese topping, this dish hits all the notes of classic comfort food while keeping things simple. It’s perfect for busy nights, casual get-togethers, or when you want something filling and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. What makes this recipe especially appealing is the richness of the cream cheese combined with the bold flavor of the spaghetti sauce and ground beef. You’ll love that it’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and can be customized to suit your taste. At Elena Cooks, we always believe in keeping dinner delicious and doable, and this baked pasta dish fits that mission perfectly. It’s one of those easy meal prep recipes you’ll keep coming back to again and again for its flavor, flexibility, and pure cheesy indulgence.

3) Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Spaghetti: The base of our recipe, spaghetti offers the perfect shape and texture to hold onto the rich creamy sauce. Opt for traditional semolina pasta, or swap in whole wheat for a slightly nuttier flavor and more fiber.

Ground Beef: Hearty and protein-packed, ground beef adds satisfying richness to the meat sauce. You can use lean beef or even ground turkey if you’re seeking a lighter alternative.

Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought spaghetti sauce or homemade marinara. A rich, tomato-based sauce brings acidity and depth to balance the creamy layers of this dish.

Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that sets this dish apart from other baked pasta recipes. Cream cheese melts into the hot pasta, creating a luscious coating that blends beautifully with the tomato sauce and meat.

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tang and enhances the creamy texture. It’s a great complement to the richness of the cream cheese and helps create a silky smooth sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese: This classic melting cheese gives the top layer its irresistible gooey stretch and golden finish. Use shredded mozzarella or even a fresh mozzarella ball for added richness.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty layer of flavor and helps build that crave-worthy cheesy crust. It also blends well with the creamy ingredients inside the bake.

Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the beef, olive oil provides healthy fats and adds a subtle depth of flavor to the overall dish.

Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential, these seasonings enhance the flavor of each ingredient and bring balance to the final dish.

4) How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside. Don’t overcook the pasta as it will continue to soften during baking.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer on low while you prep the pasta layer.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly until the noodles are coated in a creamy, luxurious sauce.

Step 4: Spread the creamy spaghetti mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the meat sauce on top, spreading it evenly across the surface with a spatula.

Step 5: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden on top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

5) Tips for Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

To make this recipe even better, use high-quality pasta sauce and fresh cheese if possible. The flavor of your baked cream cheese spaghetti will depend greatly on the quality of these key ingredients. Want to elevate the dish further? Try mixing in sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. They add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish without changing the base recipe. Looking to cut down on calories? Substitute light cream cheese and use ground turkey or chicken. These swaps help reduce the richness while maintaining the dish’s creamy appeal. Lastly, for a crispy topping, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking. This adds a subtle crunch and a delicious contrast to the creamy pasta underneath. As with all easy spaghetti recipes, it’s about making it your own while still keeping it simple and stress-free!

6) Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Ahead of Time

This baked cream cheese spaghetti is one of the best easy meal prep recipes out there. You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it into the oven for 30–35 minutes, adding an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time since it starts out cold. This makes it perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t want to cook from scratch. You can even freeze it before or after baking. Just be sure to wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and label it with the date. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for about an hour, covering with foil for the first half to prevent the cheese from over-browning. With all this flexibility, it’s no wonder this is a go-to comfort food for so many families across America. It’s truly one of the best easy casserole recipes for busy schedules.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti, be sure to store any leftovers properly. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and place in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or until heated through, or place the entire casserole in the oven at 325°F for 20 minutes. You may want to add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating to restore the creamy consistency. This dish also freezes beautifully! For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. It’s a lifesaver when you want a cozy meal without cooking. Baked cream cheese spaghetti remains one of those comforting, easy recipes for dinner that keeps on giving—even as leftovers!

8) Try these Casserole Recipes next!

9) Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe