Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is an irresistible dish that combines the comforting familiarity of spaghetti with the rich, creamy goodness of cheese. This dish takes the traditional spaghetti meal up a notch by creating layers of flavors and textures that are simply delightful. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why We Love This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Recipe
There are many reasons why Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese stands out as a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. First, it caters to the comfort food craving many of us have, especially during cooler months or when you need something warm and cozy to eat.
The creamy texture of the cream cheese elevates the typical spaghetti dish, making it richer and more indulgent. Additionally, the inclusion of colorful vegetables like sweet red peppers and diced onions adds a nutritional boost, bringing not just flavor but also a pop of color to your meal.
This recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Whether you want to add different vegetables, explore various cheeses, or even swap the ground beef for another protein, the options are virtually endless. Furthermore, this baked spaghetti can serve as an excellent dish for meal prep. You can make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers for days, which means less time spent cooking over the week.
Ingredients for Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
To create this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 16 ounces dried spaghetti, uncooked
- 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, divided
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil, as needed
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, ribs and seeds removed, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 to 2 cups French fried onions
How to Make Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Making Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is an enjoyable process that takes only a few steps. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and buttering a 9×13 inch baking dish, setting it aside for later use.
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot. While the pasta cooks, grab a skillet and heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until it is browned all the way through. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper while it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, leaving about two tablespoons of rendered fat, add your diced onion, sweet red pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. After cooking, combine the sautéed veggies with the cooked beef and add in one jar of spaghetti sauce, mixing well to distribute.
As you prepare the creamy mixture, take another bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded Mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until well-combined.
Now it’s time to assemble your dish. Start by layering 1/3 cup of the sauce-meat mixture at the bottom of your baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti on top, creating a base for the creamy cheese mixture. Pour the cream cheese-veggie mixture over the spaghetti, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Then, top this layer with the remaining sauce-meat mixture.
Finish up by generously sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Pop your baking dish into the oven and let it bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the center is heated through. Just before it’s done, add a layer of French fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden topping.
How to Serve Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Serving Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese can be just as enjoyable as preparing it. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but can certainly be complemented with a few sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the spaghetti. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta.
When serving, make sure to allow the baked spaghetti to cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. This step helps the layers set and makes for easier serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates, ensuring each serving has some pasta, sauce, and that gorgeous creamy cheese mixture. For an artful touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top or fresh herbs like basil for a pop of color.
You can also make it a complete meal by offering a selection of beverages. A chilled glass of iced tea or a homemade lemonade can refresh your palate while enjoying this satisfying dish.
Expert Tips for Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Creating the perfect Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese involves not just following the recipe but paying attention to a few expert tips.
First, be sure to cook your spaghetti al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite, which ensures it holds up well during the baking process. Overcooking the spaghetti can lead to a mushy texture once baked, which is not desirable.
If you love adding a touch of heat, consider mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat while it cooks. This subtle addition can give the dish an extra kick.
When it comes to the cheese, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it easier to combine with the other cheeses and prevents lumps in your creamy mixture.
Lastly, don’t skimp on the French fried onions. They not only provide crunch but also add a wonderful flavor and texture contrast on top of the baked dish. Feel free to get creative with your toppings – a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can brighten the dish visually and in taste.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Storing your Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is straightforward. If you happen to have leftovers (which is often the case, as this recipe yields a generous portion), allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
You can store the spaghetti in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Ensure that you use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, defrost frozen spaghetti in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can use the oven or microwave. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F (177°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, or until the cheese is melty again.
Variations of Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
One of the great aspects of Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is its versatility. There are numerous variations you can explore based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions to inspire you:
Vegetable Medley: For a healthier twist, consider adding a range of vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers.
Cheese Lover’s Delight: If you can’t get enough cheese, try replacing or adding different types of cheese, such as Gouda, or cheddar, for a richer flavor.
Rotisserie Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken to create a lighter version that works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Italian Sausage: For a heartier dish, substituting Italian sausage for ground beef can add additional flavor. Make sure to cook and drain the sausage before adding it to the sauce mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Simply substitute the dried spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many options are available today that taste great and hold up well in baking.
These variations can make your Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese a delightfully unique dish each time you prepare it!
FAQ About Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
What makes Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese different from regular spaghetti?
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese stands out due to the addition of cream cheese and the baking process, which transforms the dish into a rich, layered casserole. The creamy cheese mixture adds depth and a delightful texture that’s different from traditional spaghetti.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese ahead of time. Assembling it a day in advance and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake is a great option. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
What can I serve with Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese?
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread. Drinks like lemonade or iced tea also complement the dish nicely.
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz dried spaghetti, uncooked
- 2 jars (24 oz) spaghetti sauce, divided
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1-2 cups French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Cook until browned, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove beef and in the same skillet, sauté onion, sweet red pepper, and garlic until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine sautéed veggies with the cooked beef and one jar of spaghetti sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded Mozzarella until well combined.
- Layer 1/3 cup sauce-meat mixture at the bottom of the baking dish, top with half the spaghetti, then spread the cream cheese mixture over.
- Top with the remaining sauce-meat mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then add French fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!