Description
Creamy baked cream cheese spaghetti delivers comfort in every bite. Cheesy pasta layers combine rich flavors with simple ingredients, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 lb (454 grams) spaghetti
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 package (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 jar (24 ounces/680 grams) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Prepare spaghetti noodles according to package directions, ensuring they reach al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Select a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium flame. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet, cooking thoroughly until meat browns evenly. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
- Infuse the meat with marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing flavors to meld by simmering for approximately 5 minutes.
- Create a creamy base by blending softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and integrated.
- Gently fold cooked spaghetti into the cream mixture, ensuring each strand becomes evenly coated with the luxurious sauce.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin protective layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
- Transfer the spaghetti mixture into the prepared dish, then lavishly cover with remaining meat sauce.
- Generously distribute shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese across the surface.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Finish by scattering fresh parsley as an elegant garnish before serving the comforting dish.
Notes
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
- Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce for increased nutrition and depth of flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier, preventing the cheese from being too runny.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg