Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

This Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting, cheesy delight that’s perfect for a family dinner. Combining creamy spaghetti with a rich meat sauce, this dish is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, making it irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. spaghetti noodles
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce of your choice
• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
• Add the cream cheese to the hot spaghetti and mix until well combined and creamy.

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
• Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the spaghetti sauce, stir, and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
• Add the creamy spaghetti on top of the meat sauce layer, spreading it out evenly.
• Pour the remaining meat sauce over the spaghetti.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

1. Bake:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
• Enjoy your delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti!

Tips:

• Noodle Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the spaghetti initially since it will cook further in the oven.
• Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese beforehand for easier mixing with the hot spaghetti.
• Spice Up: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

This baked cream cheese spaghetti combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it a favorite comfort food. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy!