Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Cheesy Comfort Food Classic
Elevate your classic spaghetti dinner with this indulgent baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe. This comforting dish features a rich and creamy sauce made with ground beef, tangy spaghetti sauce, and velvety cream cheese. Topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella, it's a family-friendly meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures creates a truly satisfying experience that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 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
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the spaghetti sauce, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt into the browned beef. Bring to a simmer and cook until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked spaghetti with the creamy meat sauce.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips
- Enhance the flavor: For added depth of flavor, sauté chopped onions and green bell peppers in the skillet before browning the ground beef.
- Pasta variations: Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni, to change the texture of your dish.
- Extra cheesy: Add a layer of ricotta cheese beneath the mozzarella for an even richer and creamier experience.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the meat sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This can save time on busy weeknights.
- Leftovers: Store leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
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