If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both rich and satisfying, look no further than Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. This delicious baked pasta combines tender spaghetti, a creamy cheese filling, and hearty beef marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s an easy and family-friendly recipe that comes together in just over 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or potlucks.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through how to make this indulgent dish step by step, as well as provide tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Overview of the Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a layered pasta casserole that brings together the best of both worlds—creamy and cheesy pasta paired with flavorful ground beef in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is baked to perfection, resulting in a golden, bubbly top layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and offers big, comforting flavors. You’ll have a satisfying, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti:
- 1 pound of spaghetti: The classic base for this dish. You can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened: Provides a creamy and tangy layer for the baked spaghetti.
- 1 cup of sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang, blending perfectly with the cream cheese.
- 1 pound of ground beef: For a hearty meat sauce, ground beef adds substance and flavor to the dish. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce: The base of the beef sauce, adding tomato flavor and moisture. Choose your favorite store-bought marinara or make your own from scratch.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Adds a bit of garlic flavor to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, golden top layer.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the sauce and bring out all the flavors.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coat of oil to prevent the spaghetti from sticking during baking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this aside for later layering.
4. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5. Make the Beef Marinara Sauce
To the cooked beef, stir in the 24 oz jar of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the Layers
In your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering the ingredients:
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti, spreading it out evenly to cover the pasta.
- Add half of the beef marinara sauce over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, beef marinara sauce, and finish with the last cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake the Spaghetti
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the dish for the last couple of minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the layers a chance to set. Slice or spoon out portions and enjoy the cheesy, creamy, and savory goodness of this baked spaghetti.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: The perfect companion for any pasta dish, use garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce.
- Salads: Serve with a side of Caesar salad or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a great vegetable side dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish the baked spaghetti with fresh parsley or basil to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
Variations of the Recipe
This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to fit your preferences. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
- Chicken or Turkey Version: Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers in place of the beef. You can also add marinara sauce straight to the pasta for a meat-free option.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a kick of heat.
- Cheese Variety: Swap out mozzarella for shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of cheeses to give the dish a different flavor profile.
Health Benefits and Notes
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a hearty and comforting dish, but there are a few modifications you can make to lighten it up:
- Reduced-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella cheese to cut down on the calories and fat content.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Substitute regular spaghetti with whole wheat or a high-protein pasta alternative for more fiber and nutrients.
- Lean Protein: Using lean ground beef or ground turkey can reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor while adding a bit more protein to the dish.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety, and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of creamy pasta and hearty beef marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to serve up something special for friends and family. This versatile recipe allows for plenty of variations, making it adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Whether served with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or on its own, this baked spaghetti will surely become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
