Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti – The Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed!
When creamy, cheesy goodness meets hearty pasta and savory beef, magic happens. This baked cream cheese spaghetti is rich, satisfying, and tastes like something Grandma would make—if Grandma had TikTok! It’s a family favorite that’s easy to throw together with pantry staples and always delivers.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix warm spaghetti with cream cheese, sour cream (if using), and Parmesan. Stir until creamy.
- Spread half the meat sauce in the baking dish. Layer spaghetti mixture on top.
- Add the remaining meat sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Ideas:
- Use rigatoni, penne, or rotini instead of spaghetti if you prefer.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for a veggie boost.
- A dash of crushed red pepper gives it a gentle kick.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. Freeze before baking or after (just let it cool first). Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q: What’s a good side for this dish?
A: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies round it out beautifully.
This dish is creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor—it’s like lasagna’s quicker, easier cousin. Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinner, or just a cheesy midweek pick-me-up!
