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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.
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 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.
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