Hey there, food lovers! Today, I’ve got something special for you – a dish that screams comfort food at its finest: Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese. It’s creamy; it’s cheesy and oh-so-delicious. Best part? You probably have all the ingredients right in your pantry!
What You Need
First up, let’s talk ingredients. This isn’t your average spaghetti. We’re going to add some creamy twists to it:
- Spaghetti: 12 ounces of your favourite brand.
- Lean Ground Beef: A pound should do the trick.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Grab a 28-ounce jar of your preferred sauce.
- Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce package, softened to blend easily.
- Garlic: Just one clove, minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
- Seasoning: A teaspoon of Italian seasoning for that herby touch and a pinch of garlic salt for an extra kick.
- Cheese: Half a cup each of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Because one type of cheese is never enough.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by firing your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a light grease. We’re setting the stage for the magic to happen.
Spaghetti Time
Boil a large pot of lightly salted water and cook your spaghetti until it’s perfectly al dente – tender yet firm to the bite, which should take around 12 minutes.
Brown That Beef
Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat while your pasta is dancing in the boiling water. Toss the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the fat and stir in that delicious spaghetti sauce.
The Creamy Twist
Drain your spaghetti and transfer it to a bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt. Stir it until the cream cheese is completely melted and the spaghetti is evenly coated in this creamy, dreamy mixture.
Layering Time
Take your prepared baking pan and spread a small layer of meat sauce at the bottom. This is your flavour foundation. Next, lay down your creamy spaghetti and the remaining meat sauce. It’s like building a delicious, cheesy fortress.
Cheese It Up
The final step before baking is the best part – the cheese! Sprinkle both the Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake it until it’s bubbly and irresistible – about 30 minutes should do it.
The Best Part is eating!
Once your baked spaghetti is golden and bubbly, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes (if you can resist), and then dive in! The creamy, cheesy goodness mixed with the hearty meat sauce and spaghetti is heavenly.
Make-Ahead Magic
One of the beauties of this dish is that you can prepare it ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy days!
Final Thoughts
This Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or those nights when you just need cheesy, creamy comfort. Try it, and watch it become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
