Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that combines creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and tangy spaghetti sauce for a flavorful meal the whole family will love. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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

Preparing the Spaghetti

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked spaghetti and set aside.

Cooking the Ground Beef

1. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Add Spaghetti Sauce: Add the jar of spaghetti sauce to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Mixing the Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Assembling the Dish

1. Layering: Spread a thin layer of the spaghetti sauce mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the sauce.
2. Cream Cheese Layer: Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer, and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
3. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, spaghetti sauce mixture, and cream cheese mixture.

Adding Cheese Topping

1. Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the assembled dish, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Baking

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Serving

1. Cool Slightly: Remove the baked cream cheese spaghetti from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your favorite side salad or garlic bread.

Cooking Notes and Variations

Cooking Notes:

• Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature to ensure easy mixing and spreading.
• Spaghetti Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought spaghetti sauce or homemade marinara sauce for this recipe.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the spaghetti sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or asiago for a unique flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Cook the ground turkey in the same way as the ground beef until browned and cooked through.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the baked cream cheese spaghetti ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. Bake it as directed when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A: Yes, you can add diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the spaghetti sauce mixture for added flavor and nutrients.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: While spaghetti works best for this recipe, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini if desired.

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese filling, savory ground beef, and tangy spaghetti sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a potluck party, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try making this delicious dish today and enjoy the irresistible flavors of baked cream cheese spaghetti!