Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Delight is a comforting and rich pasta casserole that brings together the heartiness of marinara-coated spaghetti with the smooth texture of melted cream cheese. It’s topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or social gatherings where a warming, satisfying meal is appreciated.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 24 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare Spaghetti
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti noodles al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and return to the pot.
2. Mix in Cream Cheese
Add the cubed cream cheese to the hot spaghetti, tossing until the noodles are fully coated and the cream cheese has melted, creating a creamy sauce.
3. Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
4. Add Seasoning and Garlic
Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic to the cooked beef, and sauté for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
5. Simmer with Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, melding the flavors together.
6. Assemble in Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top, then cover with the remaining sauce mixture.
7. Add Cheeses and Bake
Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve
After baking, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes to set. This makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 6 to 8 people. The total preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 50 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If using the oven, cover with foil and heat at 350°F until thoroughly warmed, about 20 minutes.
Conclusion
The Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Delight is a versatile and beloved dish that’s sure to comfort anyone who tries it. Its creamy texture combined with the robust flavors of marinara sauce and seasoned meat offers a delicious twist to traditional spaghetti dinners. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also leaves a lasting impression.
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Delight is a comforting and rich pasta casserole that brings together the heartiness of marinara-coated spaghetti with the smooth texture of melted cream cheese. It’s topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or social gatherings where a warming, satisfying meal is appreciated.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 24 oz jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cook the spaghetti noodles al dente according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and return to the pot.
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the hot spaghetti, tossing until the noodles are fully coated and the cream cheese has melted, creating a creamy sauce.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and minced garlic to the cooked beef, and sauté for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, melding the flavors together.
- Spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top, then cover with the remaining sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly.
- After baking, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes to set. This makes it easier to serve and enhances the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes