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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked spaghetti and set aside.
Cooking the Ground Beef
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Cream Cheese Layer: Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer, and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, spaghetti sauce mixture, and cream cheese mixture.
Adding Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the assembled dish, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- 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
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baked cream cheese spaghetti from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- 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!
