Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

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.
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Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti | Myhomemaderecipe.com

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."

Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a rich and comforting dish that's perfect for any weekday dinner. Layers of creamy cheese, hearty beef sauce, and tender spaghetti baked to perfection.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (1 baking dish)

Ingredients

01 1 pound of spaghetti.
02 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened.
03 1 cup of sour cream.
04 1 pound of ground beef.
05 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce.
06 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
07 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
08 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
09 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 03

In a bowl, blend the cream cheese with sour cream until smooth.

Step 04

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain the excess fat.

Step 05

Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the beef and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 06

In a baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, top with the cream cheese mixture, followed by the beef sauce, and sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.

Step 07

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  1. This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven.
  2. For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Total Fat: 35g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 50g
  • Protein: 30g