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Creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is shown ready to eat as a comforting and delicious family meal.

Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

This Creamy Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole elevates a classic comfort food with the tangy richness of cream cheese. It's a versatile and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion optional
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper optional
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil optional
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed for browning meat

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • Spoon
  • Large bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Salt the water generously. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the spaghetti is cooking, brown the ground beef (or sausage) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. If using onion and bell pepper, sauté them in the skillet with the meat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add the marinara sauce, oregano, and garlic powder to the skillet with the meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly.
  8. Add the meat sauce to the spaghetti mixture and toss again until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Pour the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  10. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Broil for the last minute or two to get the cheese golden brown, if desired.
  12. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Don't overcook the spaghetti, as it will continue to cook in the oven. To prevent sticking, grease the baking dish thoroughly. The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables, meats, or cheeses for a unique twist.