BAKED CREAM CHEESE SPAGHETTI
INGREDIENTS (Serves 6-8):
For the Pasta Layer:
12 oz spaghetti noodles, or pasta of your choice
Pinch of salt (for boiling water)
dash of olive oil to prevent sticking
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (I use ground sirloin)
24 oz marinara or spaghetti sauce, I use Raos
For the Cheesy Top:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350
Step 1: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook
Spaghetti noodles per instructions, add dash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Drain well and set aside
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Spread
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese
Minced garlic
Italian seasoning
A pinch of salt and pepper
Set aside-it should be thick but spreadable
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbled
Drain excess fat
Stir in marinara sauce to keep it moist
Set aside while assembling everything
Step 5: Layer Like a Pro
Layer:
Half the cooked spaghetti noodles
Half the cream cheese mixture, spread evenly
Half the beef mixture
Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella + ¼ cup Parmesan
Repeat layers:
Spaghetti
Cream cheese
Meat Sauce
Mozzarella + Parmesan
Top final layer with extra mozzarella and Parmesan if desired
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbling
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 more minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing-it helps hold shape better
Step 7: Garnish & Serve Hot
Serve warm with garlic bread and salad
@ Search • spaghetti casserole
Baked cream cheese spaghetti is a delightful twist on classic spaghetti dishes, adding a rich and creamy texture by incorporating a cream cheese mixture. When preparing this dish, it’s crucial to properly cook and drain the spaghetti noodles to avoid sogginess. Adding a dash of olive oil while boiling helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. The cream cheese mixture—made with softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and seasoning—adds a smooth, savory layer that complements the robust meat sauce. Ground sirloin is ideal for the meat sauce due to its flavor and lean quality. Browning the beef thoroughly and draining excess fat prevents greasiness. Mixing the meat with a quality marinara sauce keeps the meat moist and flavorful. Layering is key to creating a well-structured baked spaghetti casserole. By alternating spaghetti noodles, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce, each bite combines creamy, meaty, and cheesy flavors. Topping with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese creates a bubbly, golden crust when baked. Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking retains moisture, while uncovering it later allows the cheese to brown. Letting the baked spaghetti rest after baking helps it set, making slicing easier and presentation neater. For added freshness and balance, serve this baked cream cheese spaghetti with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or sautéed vegetables. Variations can include using different pasta types or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms inside the layers to enhance nutritional value. This recipe is popular among home cooks searching for comforting casserole dishes that are easy to prepare and feed a crowd. The combination of cream cheese and marinara sauce offers a unique flavor profile that elevates the traditional spaghetti casserole. Using quality ingredients such as a trusted marinara sauce brand, like Rao’s, and freshly grated Parmesan will enhance the final taste and authenticity of the dish.
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