Description
Treat your taste buds with this mouthwatering Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese. Combining the richness of cream cheese with hearty ground beef and flavorful marinara sauce, this dish is ideal for a quick dinner. Uncomplicated preparation and homey comfort make it a favorite for family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2–3 teaspoons olive oil (if needed)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1½ teaspoons italian seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups jarred marinara sauce
- ½ pound spaghetti noodles
- 8 ounces block style cream cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 ounce block whole-milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick oil spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, ground beef, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet with beef and stir well. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes while pasta cooks. Remove from heat.
- Cook spaghetti noodles in boiling salted water for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and transfer to a bowl with cream cheese, remaining seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth. If the pasta sticks, add olive oil for easier mixing.
- Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place the coated spaghetti evenly in the baking dish and top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella evenly on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
This dish can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
