There’s something truly comforting about a warm pasta dish, especially when it’s layered with creamy goodness and savory meat sauce. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is elevating the classic spaghetti experience, turning a simple meal into a delightful feast that can please a crowd or satisfy your family during a busy weeknight. This dish integrates the rich flavors of ground beef, delicious marinara, and the silky texture of cream cheese, creating a dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable.
Why We Love This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
You may wonder why Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti has become a beloved choice among home cooks. The answer lies in its unique combination of flavors and textures. The rich, creamy layer of cream cheese and sour cream seamlessly blends with the hearty meat sauce, while the melted mozzarella forms a golden crust that’s simply irresistible. Additionally, this dish is not just about taste—it’s about convenience. Preparing everything in one skillet and then transferring it to a baking dish simplifies cleanup, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal with loved ones.
Comfort food is at its finest here; whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering, a dinner party, or just treating yourself after a long day, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a meal that always hits the spot.
Ingredients about Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
To craft this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Directions
Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a favorite for many, not just because of its delightful taste but also due to its straightforward preparation process. Let’s break it down step-by-step so that you can easily create this mouthwatering dish.
Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook until it reaches the al dente stage. This means it should be firm to the bite, but not hard. Before draining the spaghetti, remember to reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help bind your dish together later.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Add the ground beef and let it cook, breaking it up with a spatula until it turns a nice brown color. Mix in the finely diced onions and let them cook for about three minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic next and let it sauté just until fragrant, around 30 seconds.
Combine with Marinara: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and onion mixture. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the sauce. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This will marry all the flavors together beautifully.
Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and the remaining salt and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. Then, incorporate the reserved pasta water, mixing it in well. Finally, add the cooked spaghetti to this bowl and gently toss until every strand is well coated.
Layer in the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare a baking dish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of your meat sauce mixture on the bottom of this dish. On top of that, layer all of your spaghetti mixture followed by the remaining meat sauce.
Top with Cheese: Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the layers. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Finish in the Oven: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step allows the cheese to become bubbly and turn a lovely golden brown. Once it’s ready, let the dish rest for about five minutes before slicing into it.
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Serving Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is where you can truly let your creativity shine! As this dish emerges from the oven, the delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist. When plating, consider using large, shallow bowls to show off the layers of pasta and meat sauce. You can garnish with additional grated Parmesan or even some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh touch.
Pair your dish with a simple green salad and garlic bread to complement the meal. The crunchy texture of fresh greens against the creamy pasta adds a nice balance. For a beverage, a refreshing iced tea or soda can be the perfect accompaniment to your hearty spaghetti.
Dishing it Out
After plating, encourage your guests to add their twist—whether it’s a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat, or an extra dollop of sour cream for added richness. The charm of this dish is that it caters to individual tastes while still being unified in its comforting flavors.
Expert Tips: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Perfecting Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti takes a bit of practice but with these expert tips, you can elevate your culinary creation even further:
Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality marinara sauce for a richer flavor. If you have the time, homemade is even better!
Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature for easy blending. You don’t want any lumps!
Cooking the Spaghetti: Cooking it al dente is crucial as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked spaghetti can turn soggy.
Meat Variations: Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, which can provide a lighter option. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Store Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Storing leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a great way to enjoy this comforting meal again without creating a new dish. To store it, allow the dish to cool completely once it’s out of the oven. Then, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can refrigerate it for up to three days.
When you’re ready to reheat, simply place it in the oven at a moderate temperature until heated through or microwave individual portions for a quicker method. If it seems a bit dry after reheating, consider adding a splash of water or additional marinara sauce to bring back some moisture.
Variation of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
One of the joys of this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe is its versatility. Here are some variations you might consider:
Vegetarian Option: Opt for a hearty vegetable medley instead of meat. Mushrooms, zucchini, and bell pepper sautéed with garlic can make for a delicious filling.
Cheesy Additions: Looking for more cheese? Mix in ricotta cheese with the cream cheese for an even creamier texture.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the meat sauce to give your dish an extra kick.
Herb Infusion: Incorporating fresh herbs such as basil or parsley in either the meat sauce or cheese mixture can add a fresh dimension to the dish.
Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Shells or penne work well and can even hold more sauce.
FAQ: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
What is Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delicious pasta dish featuring spaghetti combined with a creamy cheese mixture, ground beef, and marinara sauce, all baked until bubbly and golden.
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, assemble the layers, and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just remember to bake it longer if it’s going into the oven cold.
Is Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti suitable for freezing?
Yes! It can be frozen before or after baking. Just make sure to cool it completely, and then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Can I customize the ingredients in Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preferences. You can use different meats, add vegetables, or try various cheeses to make it your own.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (90/10)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in onion and cook until softened, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce, oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper until smooth. Add reserved pasta water, then stir in cooked spaghetti until well coated.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the meat sauce in the dish, then add the spaghetti mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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