Oh, let me tell you about this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti recipe that I recently tried. It’s an absolute winner and perfect for those pasta lovers out there. This recipe combines the richness of cream cheese with the goodness of spaghetti.
The cream cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs so well with the tomato sauce. Plus, when it’s baked, the top gets all golden and crispy, making it even more tempting. It’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this flavorful delight.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- Spaghetti noodles: 1 lb.
- Spaghetti sauce of choice: 1 Jar
- Ground beef: 2 lb.
- Cream cheese: 8 oz.
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp.
- Minced garlic: 2 tsp.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ C.
- Parmesan cheese: ⅓ C.
Instructions for Making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the spaghetti to your liking and drain.
- Return the spaghetti to the pot, and mix with the cream cheese until combined.
- Heat the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove. Cook seasoned with salt and pepper to taste until completely browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Italian seasoning to the meat.
- Then, add the garlic and stir to combine.
- Pour the sauce into the meat mixture, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Place a bit of the meat mixture in the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top the mixture with the spaghetti.
- Add the rest of the meat mixture on top of the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and parmesan on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Understand Your Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of your baked cream cheese spaghetti. Opt for high-quality pasta that holds up well to baking, and consider using fresh ground beef and cheeses for the best flavor. The cream cheese should be at room temperature to mix evenly with the pasta.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, boiling it until it’s just al dente ensures it doesn’t become too soft or mushy after baking. This step is crucial for maintaining the texture of the dish.
Season Well: Don’t shy away from seasoning your meat and sauce mixture. Ground beef benefits greatly from a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. The Italian seasoning adds depth, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences, adding more herbs or spices as desired.
Layering Is Key: The way you layer your ingredients can impact the final dish. Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking. Ensure even distribution of pasta and cheese for a cohesive blend of flavors in every bite.
Cheese Matters: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provides a lovely melt and a slight sharpness that complements the creaminess of the cream cheese. For an extra gooey texture, don’t skimp on the mozzarella, and use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt.
Baking Time and Temperature: Keep an eye on your dish as it bakes to prevent overcooking. The top should be bubbly and golden brown. If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil until the final minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and adds a crispy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. A Caesar or Italian salad works wonderfully.
Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts offer a healthy and colorful side that complements the creamy pasta.
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully with the tomato-based sauce and hearty meat, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, by using gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensuring your cream cheese, spaghetti sauce, and other ingredients are gluten-free, you can easily adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet.
Can I prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely. You can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold. It’s a great way to make mealtime easier on busy days.
How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.
Can I freeze baked cream cheese spaghetti? Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Definitely. Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the ground beef or mix them into the sauce.
Is it possible to use a different type of pasta? While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, fusilli, and rigatoni are all excellent choices that hold sauce well and bake beautifully.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
INGREDIENTS
- Spaghetti noodles: 1 lb.
- Spaghetti sauce of choice: 1 Jar
- Ground beef: 2 lb.
- Cream cheese: 8 oz.
- Italian seasoning: 1 tsp.
- Minced garlic: 2 tsp.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ C.
- Parmesan cheese: ⅓ C.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the spaghetti to your liking and drain.
- Return the spaghetti to the pot, and mix with the cream cheese until combined.
- Heat the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove. Cook seasoned with salt and pepper to taste until completely browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Italian seasoning to the meat.
- Then, add the garlic and stir to combine.
- Pour the sauce into the meat mixture, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Place a bit of the meat mixture in the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top the mixture with the spaghetti.
- Add the rest of the meat mixture on top of the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and parmesan on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes.
