Name: Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil plus an additional 2-3 teaspoons for coating; 1 pound ground beef; 1½ teaspoons italian seasoning blend; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups jarred marinara sauce; ½ pound spaghetti noodles; 8 ounces block style cream cheese, cubed; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese; 8 ounces block whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded; Fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Baked spaghetti with cream cheese is a delightful comfort dish that combines familiar flavors into one deliciously creamy package. The unique twist of incorporating cream cheese gives this classic a lusciously smooth texture, setting it apart from ordinary spaghetti bakes. Picture layers of spaghetti intertwined with savory beef and a velvety sauce that just begs to be savored in every mouthful.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I was looking for an easy meal that could please my entire family. After one hearty helping, it quickly turned into a staple in our household. With its cheesy goodness and the fresh notes of parsley sprinkled on top, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for any night of the week. If you’re looking for a new favorite, I’m thrilled to share this one with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 30-40 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory beef, rich marinara, and rich cream cheese creates an unforgettable taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Layers of gooey cheese and vibrant colors make this dish visually stunning.
Flexible Serving: Great for a family dinner, potlucks, or game-day gatherings with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjusted for gluten-free pasta or other dietary needs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon olive oil: This is great for cooking the beef and adding flavor. Use extra to coat the drained pasta for easy mixing if needed.
1 pound ground beef: A savory base that provides protein and richness. You can substitute it with ground turkey or even plant-based meat for lighter options.
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning blend: This adds a fragrant mix of herbs that complements the marinara sauce beautifully. Use your favorite blend or even homemade if you have it.
½ teaspoon salt: Just enough to season the beef and enhance the flavors. Adjust to your liking.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to elevate the dish’s flavor. Freshly ground is always best!
3 cups jarred marinara sauce: A convenient choice that adds depth and tang to the dish. I recommend a 28-ounce jar of MIDS brand Traditional flavor, but feel free to use what you love.
½ pound spaghetti noodles: The classic pasta for this recipe. You can substitute with gluten-free varieties if necessary.
8 ounces block-style cream cheese: This is the star ingredient, lending a luscious texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds robust flavor and pairs well with the beef.
½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese: This cheese adds a nice salty, nutty flavor. You can use fresh or pre-shredded, depending on your preference.
8 ounces whole-milk mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella creates a melty topping — choose a quality cheese for the best results.
Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a pop of freshness and color before serving.

How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating, spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick oil spray to prevent sticking.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the ground beef. Season with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until there’s no pink remaining, then drain off any excess fat.
Add marinara sauce: Stir in the jarred marinara sauce, mixing it well with the cooked beef. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes while you cook the pasta. Once done, remove it from the heat.
Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti noodles for 9-11 minutes or until al dente, following the package directions. Drain the pasta well.
Mix with cream cheese: In a large bowl, transfer the drained spaghetti and add the room-temperature cream cheese, the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well until the cream cheese is fully integrated. If the pasta sticks, drizzle 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil before mixing.
Layer in the baking dish: Spoon 1 cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the coated spaghetti evenly on top, followed by pouring the remaining meat sauce over the noodles.
Sprinkle the cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top of the spiced spaghetti.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish and serve: Once out of the oven, let the baked spaghetti with cream cheese rest for about 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve warm and watch it disappear!

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze your baked spaghetti with cream cheese for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered. The texture may slightly change, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese before baking can help refresh its gooey goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Ensure the cream cheese is soft to prevent lumps. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before using.
To add more flavor, try adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
This dish can easily be made ahead of time; just cover and refrigerate it before baking.

Baked spaghetti with cream cheese is a delightful mix of comfort and flavor that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying. Don’t hesitate to make this a regular in your dinner rotation. Experiment with your favorite add-ins and variations; the possibilities are endless! Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly for the chosen pasta type.

What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?

If you find yourself without cream cheese, sour cream or ricotta can be used as substitutes. While they will slightly change the flavor and texture, they will still add creaminess to the dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based ground meat. Ensure the marinara sauce you choose is also vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Certainly! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time; just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.