Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti combines tender spaghetti noodles with a creamy blend of cream cheese and sour cream, layered with savory ground beef marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound of spaghetti
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of sour cream
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Make Meat Sauce: Stir marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef, then simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, spread the cream cheese mixture over it, then top with the beef sauce and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers ending with mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, signaling that the dish is ready to serve.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti to adjust for dietary preferences.
- Let the baked casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before blending to achieve a smooth mixture without lumps.
