Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy cheese layer baked until perfectly golden. It is easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and makes an ideal weeknight family meal. The cream cheese melts into the pasta, giving every bite a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup sour cream
• 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the warm pasta. Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the spaghetti evenly. Set aside.
4. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
6. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then add the marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Spread half of the creamy spaghetti mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
8. Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
9. Repeat the layers by adding the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
10. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
11. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
13. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers hold together.
14. Serve warm and enjoy a creamy, hearty, family-friendly meal.