Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s not heavy or overly complicated either.
I think it’s an ideal choice for any night of the week, and if you’re not a fan of traditional spaghetti, feel free to omit the pasta and use a different type. It will still be undeniably delicious! If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s not overly rich, you’ve come to the right place. When you combine al dente spaghetti with a creamy cheese mixture and bake it to perfection, you get the perfect dish. The addition of herbs and spices just sends it over the top. I’ve really been in the mood for cozy dinners and this delightful baked spaghetti reminds me of home-cooked meals and gatherings. Not a fan of spaghetti? Don’t worry, it’s still delicious without it.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti. Layer with half of the cream cheese mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Spaghetti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Enjoy this creamy and comforting Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti
Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It's not heavy or overly complicated either.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti. Layer with half of the cream cheese mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Spaghetti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.
- Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
- Cook Time:
- 45 minutes
- Total Time:
- 1 hour 5 minutes
- Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Enjoy this creamy and comforting Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Leave a Reply