This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a flavor explosion! Tender spaghetti noodles are tossed in a creamy sauce made with melty cream cheese, rich Italian seasoning, and a hint of garlic. A layer of savory ground beef and tangy tomato sauce adds depth, while a cheesy topping of parmesan and mozzarella finishes it all off. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that's sure to please the whole family.
Embark on a culinary journey with our Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, a dish that promises to deliver comfort and flavor in every forkful. This recipe transforms the classic spaghetti experience into a rich and decadent delight, perfect for those evenings when only the heartiest of meals will do.
In this dish, the smooth tang of cream cheese melds seamlessly with robust Italian seasonings and succulent ground beef, all nestled beneath a golden layer of melted cheeses. It's a symphony of tastes that come together in the oven, where magic happens, and simple ingredients become a memorable meal.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Delightful Twist on a Classic
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 16 ounces spaghetti pasta
- 28 ounces pasta sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- A pinch of garlic salt
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti noodles as per the package instructions until al dente.
3. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
4. Combine with Sauce: Stir in the pasta sauce with the cooked beef, blending well.
5. Mix with Cheese: Drain the cooked spaghetti and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add in the cream cheese, garlic salt, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the spaghetti is evenly coated and the cream cheese has melted.
6. Layer the Casserole: In a casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Then, layer the coated spaghetti noodles on top.
7. Add the Toppings: Pour the remaining meat sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information:
For a single serving:
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 24mg
- Carbohydrates: 120g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 12g
Indulge in this creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti that's sure to become a new family favorite!