Description
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Delight combines comforting Italian pasta with rich, creamy textures that make weeknight dinners extraordinary. Layers of saucy noodles, melted cheese, and savory ground beef create a hearty meal that satisfies hungry families with one delicious, cheesy spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef or turkey
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces (12 oz) spaghetti noodles
- 1 (24 ounces/24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 8 ounces (8 oz) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), preparing a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted boiling water until they reach a perfect al dente texture, following the package instructions precisely. Drain thoroughly and return to the original cooking pot.
- Immediately add cubed cream cheese to the steaming hot spaghetti, gently tossing until the noodles become completely enrobed in a smooth, creamy coating as the cheese melts.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef completely, cooking for 6-8 minutes and ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain any accumulated excess fat.
- Incorporate Italian seasoning and freshly minced garlic into the cooked beef, sautéing for approximately 1 minute to release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the seasoned beef, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Create a thin foundational layer of the beef and marinara sauce in the prepared baking dish. Carefully arrange the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top, then generously cover with the remaining sauce mixture.
- Distribute mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, bubbling finish.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, watching for a hot, effervescent appearance with slightly crispy edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the layers to set and the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- Prep ahead by cooking spaghetti and browning beef to streamline the cooking process and save time in the kitchen.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened and fully melted to create a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
- Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent a greasy texture and maintain the dish’s rich, clean flavor profile.
- Layer ingredients carefully in the baking dish, starting with a thin sauce base to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld, creating a more cohesive and delicious meal.
- Choose high-quality marinara sauce and fresh cheeses to elevate the overall taste and restaurant-quality feel of this comfort food classic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg