The Ultimate Comfort Meal for Cozy Weeknights

If there’s one dish that checks every box for comfort, convenience, and cheesy satisfaction, it’s Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. This creamy, baked pasta casserole is everything you want in a weekday dinner: warm, filling, easy to make, and guaranteed to have your whole table coming back for seconds.

This recipe combines the best parts of a classic spaghetti bake with the tangy richness of cream cheese and sour cream, all topped with a blanket of golden, bubbly mozzarella. It’s like lasagna’s easier, creamier cousin — layered, luscious, and irresistibly cheesy.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding a crowd, or prepping a meal to freeze and reheat later, this dish delivers every single time.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort food to the max – Think cheesy, creamy, saucy pasta baked until golden.
Simple ingredients – Pantry staples and fridge basics you probably already have.
Make-ahead friendly – Assemble the dish early, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Family-friendly – Even picky eaters can’t resist this one.

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

Before diving into the how-to, let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and why it works so well:

Pasta Base

1 pound of spaghetti – The traditional choice for this dish, spaghetti soaks up the creamy layers while still maintaining some bite. Make sure it’s cooked al dente for best results.

The Creamy Layer

1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened – This adds tang, richness, and that velvety texture that makes this dish extra indulgent.
1 cup of sour cream – Balances out the cream cheese with subtle acidity and added creaminess.

The Meaty Sauce

1 pound of ground beef – A hearty protein that complements the smooth layers perfectly.
1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce – Choose a quality brand or your favorite homemade version for the best flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Classic seasonings that enhance the sauce with minimal effort.
Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust as needed after tasting the sauce.

The Cheesy Finish

2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into a golden, gooey topping that pulls everything together.

🍽 How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This dish comes together easily in just a few simple steps. Here’s the process:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

While you prep the rest of the dish, get your oven ready so the assembled casserole can go straight in.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Be sure not to overcook the pasta. It will continue to soften while baking, so al dente is perfect here.

Pro Tip: Toss the drained pasta in a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking if you aren’t assembling the casserole right away.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture

In a bowl, blend the cream cheese with sour cream until smooth.

Use softened cream cheese to ensure the mixture comes together easily. A hand mixer works great for a smooth consistency.

Optional Upgrade: Add a pinch of black pepper or grated Parmesan for an extra flavor kick.

Step 4: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain the excess fat.

Make sure to break up the beef into small crumbles for even browning. Drain the fat to prevent a greasy casserole.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Seasonings

Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the beef and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer just enough to absorb those seasonings and deepen the flavor.

Tip: Taste your sauce before layering. You can always adjust with a little sugar, chili flakes, or more herbs to suit your taste.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

In a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, top with the cream cheese mixture, followed by the beef sauce, and sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.

The order of layers matters! It ensures every bite has pasta, creaminess, sauce, and cheese.

Assembly Order:

Spaghetti
Cream cheese mixture
Meat sauce
Mozzarella
Repeat

Note: Use a deep 9×13″ baking dish to accommodate the layers without overflow.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top is melted and browned in spots, and the sides are bubbling.

Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want a crisper, more golden cheese crust.

🧀 Serving Suggestions

This dish stands strong on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

Garlic bread or cheesy toast
Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans

For a cozy dinner party, serve this casserole with red wine or sparkling water and finish with a light dessert like lemon bars or vanilla pudding.

🍱 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead
Assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready, adding 5–10 minutes to the bake time if straight from the fridge.

Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered with foil at 325°F for 20 minutes).

Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully:

Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap.
Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

🔄 Variations to Try

Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage to the meat mixture.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms instead of beef.
Cheese upgrade: Mix mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack for more flavor.

💬 Reader Review

“This baked cream cheese spaghetti is one of my go-to comfort meals. My kids love it, and it’s so creamy and cheesy! I double the recipe and freeze one for later.”
— Tanya B., home cook