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A spatula lifting a cheesy slice of baked spaghetti recipe with cream cheese from a white ceramic baking dish, showing layers of meat sauce and golden melted mozzarella, garnished with fresh basil

Ultimate Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

This creamy, savory baked spaghetti combines perfectly al dente noodles with a luscious cream cheese center, rich meat sauce, and a golden mozzarella-Parmesan topping. It's comfort food elevated to "million-dollar" status.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian-American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Binder

  • 1 lb spaghetti Standard or thin spaghetti; avoid super-thick noodles like bucatini
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter Cut into small pats
  • 1 large egg Lightly beaten

Creamy Center

  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup sour cream Can substitute full-fat cottage cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced finely or ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • pinch black pepper

Meat Sauce & Topping

  • 1 lb ground beef Can mix 50/50 with mild Italian sausage for extra flavor
  • 24 oz marinara sauce Use high-quality brand
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated preferred

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid a mushy casserole. Use block cream cheese, not tub, and drain meat thoroughly. Freshly grate Parmesan for best melting.