Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for any weekday dinner. This dish combines tender spaghetti with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and sour cream, layered with a rich beef and marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this spaghetti bake is sure to be a family favorite, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort meal, combining the rich flavors of creamy cheese and hearty beef sauce with tender spaghetti. It's perfect for any weekday dinner when you're craving something cozy and satisfying.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound of spaghetti: Cooked until al dente for the perfect texture.
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened: Adds a rich, creamy layer to the dish.
- 1 cup of sour cream: Blended with cream cheese to enhance the creaminess.
- 1 pound of ground beef: Provides the meaty base for the sauce.
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce: Brings a tomatoey richness to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavors in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a classic Italian taste.
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjusts the seasoning to your preference.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sour cream until smooth. This will create a creamy layer that complements the spaghetti and sauce.
- Step 3:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Step 4:
- Stir the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the browned beef. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5:
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Top with half of the beef sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 6:
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, beef sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Step 7:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- This baked spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit more sour cream to the cream cheese mixture.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, for a variation on this classic baked spaghetti.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Always use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for the best melt and flavor."
- Chef Rachel Ray: "Don’t overcook your pasta before baking—it should be al dente to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy."
- Chef Ina Garten: "Adding a touch of cream cheese to your pasta dishes creates a luxurious texture that’s hard to resist."