If you’re looking for a comforting and creamy pasta dish that will please the whole family, this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the perfect choice. With layers of flavorful beef sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
- Make the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Add a layer of the beef sauce and sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of this baked spaghetti dish!
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a meat substitute or additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti combines the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of classic spaghetti and the creamy richness of a baked casserole. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!