There’s something about a dish that combines the heartiness of pasta, the richness of cheese, and the comforting warmth of a baked casserole that speaks directly to the soul. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that does just that – Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. It’s a simple yet delightful twist on your traditional spaghetti dinner, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Not only does it pack a flavorful punch, but it also offers a beautiful blend of textures, from the creamy cheese to the tender pasta, all smothered in a savory meat sauce. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to make this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
Before we get to the steps, ensure you have the following ingredients ready:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (8 ounces) package of 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
Directions:
Follow these steps for a meal that’ll surely become a new favorite:
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your dish cooks evenly and ends up with that irresistible golden-brown cheese topping.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Then, drain it and set it aside. Al dente pasta is key here as it continues to cook in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Remember to drain any excess fat, which ensures the sauce stays rich and flavorful without being greasy.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the browned beef. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Mix the Cheese: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt until smooth. This cheese mixture will add a creamy, tangy layer to the dish that’s absolutely divine.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it, then add the remaining spaghetti on top. This layering ensures every bite is filled with cheesy goodness.
- Add the Meat Sauce: Pour the beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the layered spaghetti. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the pasta moist while baking.
- Top with Cheeses: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, then cover everything with shredded mozzarella cheese. The combination of these cheeses will create a beautifully melted and slightly crispy top layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be golden brown and the sauce to be bubbly – a true sign that it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Serving and Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Kcal: 600 kcal per serving
- Servings: Makes 6 servings
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, potluck, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, satisfying dish. Pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete feast that’s sure to impress.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something that’s both comforting and delicious, give this recipe a try. It’s easy to make, and the result is a cheesy, creamy, and savory dish that everyone is sure to love. Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy your meal!
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Ingredients:
12 ounces spaghetti
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (8 ounces) package of 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
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the spaghetti sauce with the beef and simmer for about 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt until well combined.
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in a baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Top with the remaining spaghetti.
Pour the beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the top layer of spaghetti.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 600 kcal | Servings: 6 servings