The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a luscious twist on a classic pasta dish, blending the comforting textures and flavors of traditional spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy upgrade. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also incredibly versatile, allowing for adjustments to cater to various dietary preferences or pantry limitations. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this indulgent dish:
Ingredients:
12 ounces spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 pinch garlic salt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when your dish is ready to go in. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it is tender yet firm to the bite, which should take about 12 minutes.
Brown the Beef: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, stirring until it’s browned and crumbly, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, drain the fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce to combine.
Mix Cream Cheese with Spaghetti: After draining the cooked spaghetti, place it in a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese has melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Layer the Dish: Spread a small amount of the meat sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This prevents the spaghetti from sticking and adds flavor from the bottom up. Then, layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce. Top the spaghetti with the remaining meat sauce, ensuring an even spread.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a deliciously golden and bubbly top layer once baked.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the dish is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is a crowd-pleaser and can be served as a main course with a side salad or garlic bread to complement the creamy, cheesy goodness of the baked spaghetti. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner, potluck, or any occasion when you’re in the mood for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Tips:
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Vegetarians can omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.
If you’re making this dish ahead of time, assemble everything but hold off on baking until you’re ready to serve.
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti offers a delightful twist on a familiar favorite, promising a comforting and satisfying meal with every bite.
