Are you ready to transform a classic pasta dish into something truly extraordinary? Welcome to the world of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti that's guaranteed to become a family favorite. This rich, creamy, and cheesy dish combines the comfort of spaghetti with the luxurious texture of cream cheese, creating a meal that's both satisfying and indulgent. Keep reading to discover how you can make this delicious recipe at home, and get ready to impress your loved ones with your culinary skills.
What is Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a baked pasta dish that features spaghetti noodles, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. The star ingredient, cream cheese, adds a rich and tangy flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something comforting and delicious.
Ingredients List for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti: The base of the dish, providing a classic pasta experience.
- 1 (26-oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce: For convenience and flavor, use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Provides a subtle yet essential garlic flavor.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature: The key ingredient for creaminess.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps with the golden crust on top.
Additional Ingredients:
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the meat and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the ground beef and garlic.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh, herbal note.
Substitutions and Variations
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or an assortment of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free spaghetti instead of regular pasta.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Different cheeses: Swap out the Parmesan for mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Low-fat version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and leaner meat like ground turkey.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
How to Cook Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will bake evenly and be ready on time.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the dish: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce, ensuring all the noodles are well coated. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture. Top with the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top.
- Bake the dish: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, avoid these common mistakes to ensure the best results:
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook the spaghetti until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Not draining the meat: If there's excess fat after cooking the ground beef, drain it off to avoid a greasy dish.
- Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps set the layers and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Serve Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot, enhancing the Italian flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese: Just before serving, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
- Use a decorative baking dish: Present the dish in a beautiful baking dish to make it look as good as it tastes.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe Tips
- Room temperature cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Layer evenly: Distribute the spaghetti and cream cheese mixture evenly for a well-balanced bite in every serving.
- Customize the sauce: Feel free to enhance the jarred sauce with additional spices, herbs, or even a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: What can I use instead of ground beef?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used in place of ground beef.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory meat sauce, and rich cheese flavor, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. Don't forget to experiment with variations and substitutions to make this recipe your own. Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!
PrintBaked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe with ground beef and parmesan is the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines tender spaghetti, savory beef, and a creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Keywords: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, comfort food, easy dinner recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 (26-oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with minced garlic until beef is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning to the beef; stir and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked spaghetti with cream cheese until cheese is melted and pasta is evenly coated.
- Place spaghetti mixture in a baking dish. Pour beef and sauce mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped onions and bell peppers when cooking the beef.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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