This Creamy Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Combining tender spaghetti, rich marinara sauce, and a luscious cream cheese mixture, this dish is baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Spaghetti With Cream Cheese
- Deliciously Creamy: The blend of cream cheese and marinara sauce creates a mouth-watering creamy texture.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe a breeze to prepare.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Baked Spaghetti With Cream Cheese
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti, then add another layer of spaghetti. Top with remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve.
MORE RECIPES: Oreo Cookies Recipe & Oreo Ice Cream Recipe
Variations and Tips
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Healthier Version: Use whole wheat spaghetti and low-fat cream cheese.
- Extra Cheesy: Increase the amount of mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy topping.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti With Cream Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave on medium power.
