Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Baked cream cheese spaghetti is pure comfort food in casserole form. Twirly spaghetti is tossed in creamy cheese, topped with a hearty meat sauce, and finished with a bubbling layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s the kind of cozy, family-style dish that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or bringing to a friend who needs a warm meal. Using jarred spaghetti sauce keeps things simple while still giving big flavor. Once it bakes, you get a rich, cheesy pasta bake that slices up beautifully and feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. spaghetti noodles
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce of choice
• 2 lb. ground beef
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 ½ C. mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ C. Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti to your liking according to package directions, then drain well.
3. Return the hot spaghetti to the pot and mix with the cream cheese until the cream cheese is melted and evenly combined.
4. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper to taste until completely browned; drain any excess grease.
5. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the meat and stir to combine.
6. Pour the spaghetti sauce into the meat mixture and simmer for about 5 minutes.
7. Place a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Add all of the cream cheese spaghetti on top, then spoon the remaining meat mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
9. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 8

Tips

For the best texture, cook the spaghetti just to al dente so it doesn’t get too soft while baking, and make sure the cream cheese is softened so it melts smoothly into the hot pasta.

Let the baked spaghetti rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven so it sets and is easier to slice; store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ

Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
Yes, you can swap in shapes like penne, ziti, or rotini—just cook them to al dente and follow the same steps.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; when ready, bake at 350°F, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey or even ground chicken will work—just be sure to season well and cook until fully browned.

What kind of spaghetti sauce works best?
Use your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce—traditional, garlic and herb, or a chunky variety all work nicely with the creamy pasta.

Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti?
Yes, cool the casserole completely, wrap it well, and freeze; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.