Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic pasta dish. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with savory meat sauce and melted cheeses. This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• ¼ tsp Garlic salt
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 tsp Minced garlic
• 1 lb Spaghetti noodles
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 28 oz Pasta sauce
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the spaghetti noodles in boiling water until al dente, then drain well.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, then drain the excess grease.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the pasta sauce, and set the meat sauce aside.
5. Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot spaghetti, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is well blended.
6. Step 6: Spread a layer of the meat sauce in the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Add the cream cheese spaghetti mixture on top of the sauce layer.
8. Step 8: Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layer.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella cheeses over the top.
10. Step 10: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped onions and bell peppers when browning the beef.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Try mixing in a little crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh garlic instead of minced for a more robust garlic flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I serve with baked spaghetti?

A fresh green salad and garlic bread make great complementary sides to balance the richness of the baked spaghetti.

Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 99 reviews

This hearty Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese combines tender spaghetti noodles with a creamy, flavorful blend of cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Layered with savory ground beef and pasta sauce, then baked until bubbly and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and delicious twist on classic spaghetti casserole perfect for family dinners.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spaghetti and Cream Cheese Mixture

• 1 lb Spaghetti noodles
• 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Minced garlic
• ¼ tsp Garlic salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 28 oz Pasta sauce

Toppings

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the spaghetti noodles. Cook until al dente as per package instructions. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
3. Brown Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
4. Add Pasta Sauce to Beef: Reduce heat to low and stir in the pasta sauce with the browned ground beef. Simmer briefly and set the meat sauce aside.
5. Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot cooked spaghetti with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir well until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is evenly combined.
6. Layer Baking Dish: Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then add the cream cheese spaghetti mixture evenly over the meat sauce layer.
7. Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti mixture, spreading it evenly.
8. Top with Cheeses: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire casserole.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

• For best results, use full-fat cream cheese to ensure a creamy texture.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter version.
• Leftover baked spaghetti can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for improved flavor over pre-grated store-bought options.

Keywords: baked spaghetti, cream cheese spaghetti, casserole, ground beef pasta, easy family dinner, Italian American recipe