Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re in the mood for a hearty pasta bake. It’s quick to make, with most ingredients already in your pantry, and can even be prepped ahead of time. The addition of cream cheese creates a smooth and velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the savory ground beef and tangy spaghetti sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a satisfying meal that combines the richness of cream cheese with the classic flavors of spaghetti and meat sauce. The dish is simple to make, but feels indulgent, thanks to the creamy texture and cheesy topping. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be prepared ahead of time for those busy evenings when you want something comforting without the stress of last-minute cooking. Plus, it bakes to perfection, creating a golden, cheesy crust that’s irresistible.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 pinch garlic salt

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer while you prepare the next steps.

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated.

5. Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Add the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top, and then cover with the remaining meat sauce.

6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables: For a healthier twist, you can add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.

• Use different cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or provolone to change up the flavor.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.

• Substitute protein: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use a vegetable-based sauce or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the baked spaghetti to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, assemble it in the baking pan, but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 60 minutes, or until heated through.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli if you prefer.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure to check the other ingredients, like the spaghetti sauce, to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Can I use a different cheese instead of cream cheese?

Cream cheese provides a unique creamy texture, but you can try using ricotta or mascarpone as alternatives if you prefer.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can let the meat sauce simmer for a little longer to reduce and thicken, or you can stir in a small amount of tomato paste.

Can I add meatballs to the recipe?

Yes, you can add meatballs in place of or in addition to the ground beef. Just cook the meatballs beforehand and layer them with the spaghetti and sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?

Yes, if you have cooked ground beef on hand, simply heat it with the spaghetti sauce and proceed with the recipe.

What should I serve with this dish?

This baked spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Can I freeze leftover baked spaghetti?

Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Just ensure it’s cooled completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

Can I make this recipe without meat?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using a plant-based meat substitute or simply omitting the meat entirely and adding extra vegetables to the sauce.

Conclusion

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a dish that checks all the boxes: creamy, comforting, easy to make, and delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, and it’s great for feeding a crowd. Whether you make it ahead of time or prepare it fresh, this recipe is sure to be a hit.