Name: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound of spaghetti; 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened; 1 cup of sour cream; 1 pound of ground beef; 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon of garlic powder; 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning; 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Looking for the perfect comfort food to elevate your weekday dinner experience? Look no further than Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti! This mouthwatering dish combines the richness of cream cheese, the savory goodness of ground beef, and the comforting flavors of marinara sauce, all baked to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the culinary delight of Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti!

Ingredients:

1 pound of spaghetti

1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened

01 cup of sour cream

2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

1 pound of ground beef

1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your masterpiece is prepared.

Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the sour cream until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This luscious blend will add a luxurious touch to your dish.

Next, it’s time to tackle the star of the show – the ground beef. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s cooked through. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep your dish light and flavorful.

Once the ground beef is cooked, add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Let the flavors meld together as you simmer the sauce for approximately 5 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Now comes the fun part – assembling your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti! In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti followed by a generous spread of the cream cheese mixture. Top it off with a layer of the savory beef sauce and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat this delicious layering process to create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Once assembled, pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously golden brown and bubbling with irresistible goodness.

Once baked to perfection, remove your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, dig in and savor every creamy, cheesy, and comforting bite!

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top of your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Add a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the dish with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.

Customize with Toppings: Let your guests customize their servings by offering additional toppings such as grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or sliced black olives.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat Properly: To reheat, simply transfer individual servings to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covering the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Freeze for Later: If you have more leftovers than you can enjoy within a few days, you can freeze the baked spaghetti. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, making sure to remove any excess air. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw and Reheat: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating following the same methods mentioned above.

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FAQs:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully for this dish, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta shape.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a great make-ahead dish. Simply assemble the layers as directed in the recipe, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to allow for additional baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish straight from the refrigerator.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Of course! If you prefer a different protein or if you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just follow the same cooking instructions for your chosen protein.

How can I make this dish more spicy?

If you like a bit of heat in your meals, there are several ways to add some spicy kick to your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti. You can stir in some crushed red pepper flakes into the beef sauce mixture before layering, or you can add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the sauce. Adjust the amount of spice according to your preference, and don’t forget to taste and season accordingly with salt and pepper.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the epitome of comfort food perfection. With its creamy texture, savory beef sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a culinary experience like no other!