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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy, and hearty flavors of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. This casserole-style dish is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home. Combining tender spaghetti, a rich cream cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this indulgent dish, explore variations to suit different tastes, and highlight tips to perfect your baked spaghetti casserole. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate pasta bake that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Creamy and Cheesy Goodness: The addition of cream cheese and sour cream gives this dish a rich and velvety texture.
Easy to Make: With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe comes together with minimal effort.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the comforting flavors of baked spaghetti.
Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or looking to add extra veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required to make this creamy baked spaghetti masterpiece:
For the Pasta:
1 lb (450g) spaghetti: The star of the dish! Cook until al dente for the perfect texture.
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a savory, meaty base to the sauce.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make it from scratch for more flavor.
Salt and pepper: To season the meat sauce.
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened: The key to a creamy, rich pasta base.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For added depth and cheesy flavor.
1 tsp garlic powder: A hint of garlic for flavor.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings all the flavors together.
For Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates a bubbly, golden topping when baked.
Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or Italian sausage.
Drain any excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Toss the Spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and toss until the noodles are evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti into the prepared baking dish.
Layer half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.
Step 7: Add the Mozzarella Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 8: Bake
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