Scooter’s Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Sneak Peek: This comforting casserole is layered with spaghetti, a creamy cheese mix, and hearty marinara sauce, then topped with crunchy French-fried onions. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or cozy dinners.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My friend, Scooter made this and brought it to my house once when I was sick. I’ve been making it for my family and friends ever since. Now, thousands of you are making it, too. It’s that good!
Why It’s a Hit
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
- Uses pantry staples.
- Easily made ahead or frozen for later.
- A twist on classic spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy layer
- Crispy French-fried onion rings topping–unforgettable!
The first time or two may seem like more trouble than plain spaghetti. But with a bit of experience, you won’t need the recipe. It will come together in a hurry.
Happy Cooks Speak Up
“This is really delicious and simple to make. Everyone that has tried it likes it! I use green pepper, its so good in this! Thanks for sharing!“–TONYA V.
RELATED POST: Easy Beef Goulash Recipe with Ketchup: One Pot to Clean
Ingredients and Substitutes
- SPAGHETTI:
- Regular or gluten-free options
- GROUND BEEF:
- Substitute with sausage or mushrooms.
- MARINARA SAUCE:
- Choose your favorite, low-sugar sauce.
- I like Victoria White Linen Marinara Sauce (paid link)
- Spice up the sauce with garlic and onions added to the meat when browning
- If using your own sauce, make 3 to 3½ cups.
- CREAM CHEESE:
- Full-fat cream cheese
- Neufchâtel is a lighter option
- PARMESAN CHEESE:
- Freshly grated or Romano for variety
- FRENCH FRIED ONION RINGS:
- Onions rings and cream cheese are the hallmarks of this recipe!
How To Make It
- Cook spaghetti and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef; stir in marinara.
2. Microwave butter, onions, and peppers; mix with softened cream cheese and milk.
Layer the casserole:
Bake in 350˚F oven for 20-30 minutes or until sauce bubbles and heated throughout.
Put the casserole back into the oven until the onions are toasty. Keep your eyes on it. The onions can burn faster than you can answer the door.
Gluten-Free Version
- Top with crispy shallots instead of onion rings.
- Replace spaghetti with spiralized ZUCCHINI (moisture removed).
Make It Ahead or Freeze
- Add onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Assemble layers without onions; refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.
Parting thoughts: This casserole takes a bit more effort the first time, but the layered textures make it worth it!
If you like this one, check out these other recipes Scooter has shared with me: Breaded Almond Chicken, Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Warm and Toasty Nuts with Rosemary, and Shallots.
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Scooter’s Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Video
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (227 g) uncooked thin spaghetti
- 1 pound (453 g) ground beef
- 1 26.5 oz jar (751 g) spaghetti sauce
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter
- ½ cup (74 g) chopped green peppers (or substitute red peppers)
- ⅓ cup (17 g) chopped onions
- 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) milk
- 2 tablespoons (11 g) Parmesan cheese, grated fresh, if possible
- 1 6-ounce can (170 g) French-fried onions
Instructions
- Cook 8 ounces (227 g) uncooked thin spaghetti according to the directions on the package. Cook to al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown 1 pound (453 g) ground beef, then drain excess grease. (This is the time to add garlic if you like. You choose the amount based on your taste preferences.)
- Add 1 26.5 oz jar (751 g) spaghetti sauce to the cooked ground beef and heat.
- Combine 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter, 1/2 cup (74 g) chopped green peppers and 1/3 cup (17 g) chopped onions in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for 3-4 minutes on HIGH until soft.
- Add the 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese and 2 tablespoons (28 g) milk to the cooked vegetables and stir well. (If the cream cheese is not soft, nuke the entire mixture for 20-30 seconds to make it easy to spread.)
- Using a 12 x 8-inch baking dish (or something close), assemble in the following order: thin layer of spaghetti sauce, cooked spaghetti, cream cheese/vegetable mixture, remaining spaghetti sauce, 2 tablespoons (11 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (amount subject to your own taste)
- Bake at 350 °F (177˚C) for 25 minutes or until the sauce bubbles around the sides.
- Top with 1 6-ounce can (170 g) French-fried onions and continue baking for 5 more minutes. (This is the secret ingredient–don’t let them burn.)
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.