If there were ever a dish that wrapped you in a cozy, cheesy hug, it’s this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Rich, savory, and unapologetically indulgent, this recipe takes traditional spaghetti and transforms it into something so much more comforting—layered, baked, and filled with creamy goodness.

It combines everything you love: pasta, tangy marinara, perfectly seasoned beef, and a luscious middle layer of cream cheese and sour cream. Then it’s baked until bubbly and golden. It’s not just spaghetti—it’s comfort in casserole form, and it’s perfect for feeding your family, bringing to potlucks, or freezing for busy nights.

🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and Cheesy: That luscious cream cheese and sour cream layer gives it a lasagna-like texture without all the fuss.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters go for seconds.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: Assemble it ahead and bake when needed.
Freezer-Friendly: Great for storing in individual portions or as a full casserole.
Simple Ingredients: All pantry and fridge staples you probably already have on hand.

🧀 Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes this baked spaghetti so satisfying.

1 pound of spaghetti

The base of the dish. Spaghetti holds the layers well and doesn’t get soggy when baked. Cook until al dente, since it will continue to cook in the oven.

8 oz package of cream cheese (softened)

This brings richness and a creamy texture to the middle layer, giving you a slight tang and helping the dish hold together.

Pro Tip: Let the cream cheese sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing—it will blend easier.

1 cup sour cream

Combined with cream cheese, this enhances the creaminess and gives that “baked casserole” texture. You can substitute Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier twist.

1 pound ground beef

Adds protein and hearty flavor. You can also use Italian sausage or a mix of beef and sausage for deeper flavor.

24 oz jar of marinara sauce

Pick your favorite store-bought sauce or use homemade! This binds with the beef and adds acidity to balance the richness of the cream cheese layer.

1 tsp garlic powder

Enhances the meat sauce and adds depth.

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme—perfect for rounding out the marinara flavor.

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

A golden, melty top is a must! Mozzarella gives you that classic cheesy finish everyone loves.

Salt and pepper to taste

Seasoning is key—taste the beef sauce before layering to ensure it’s just right.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the spaghetti until al dente (firm to the bite), drain, and set aside.

Don’t overcook the pasta—it will soften further in the oven.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Beef Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

Stir in:

24 oz marinara sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Layer the Dish

In your prepared baking dish:

Add half the spaghetti and spread it evenly.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti and gently spread it.
Pour half the beef sauce over the cream layer.
Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, beef sauce, and mozzarella.

Layering tip: Gently press each layer down to help everything bake together evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

🥗 What to Serve with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This rich dish pairs well with lighter, fresh sides:

Garlic bread or crusty baguette
Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus

Serving tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

🔁 Variations & Substitutions

Option	What to Do
Vegetarian Version	Skip the beef and use mushrooms or lentils
Add Veggies	Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers
Make It Spicy	Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage
Use Different Pasta	Penne, rigatoni, or rotini also work well
Low-Carb Version	Use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles

🧊 Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Bake the casserole, cool completely, and freeze in whole or sliced portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the full dish (covered) in the oven at 325°F until hot.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Can I freeze it before baking?
Absolutely. Assemble everything, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.

Can I use a different cheese?
Sure! A blend of mozzarella and cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack works well.

Can I use light cream cheese or sour cream?
Yes! It will slightly reduce the richness but still yield a delicious result.