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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is the dish I reach for whenever comfort food cravings hit hard. It is rich with savory ground beef and creamy sauce, finished with a golden blanket of parmesan that brings family running to the table. Each bite is as cozy as the next—exactly what you look forward to at the end of a long day.
The first time I made this, everyone came back to the kitchen for seconds. Now, it appears every few weeks by demand because of how simple and satisfying it is.
Ingredients
- Dried spaghetti: I grab a standard box and use most of it. Check for bronze-cut or rough-textured pasta if you want the sauce to cling better
- Lean ground beef: Choose a cut with less fat for a lighter casserole and easier draining
- Prepared tomato-based spaghetti sauce: Jarred or homemade both shine. Look for one with a short ingredient list for best flavor
- Italian seasoning: A little goes a long way to provide warmth and aroma
- Fresh garlic: Freshly minced makes a difference versus jarred paste
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest texture. Let it come all the way to room temp for smooth mixing
- Parmesan cheese: Always grate fresh if you can. It melts better and gives a nutty crust
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 175C while you gather ingredients and tools. Lightly oil your baking dish so nothing sticks later
- Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef to a skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat and move it often until browned everywhere and no pink remains. Drain any fat so the sauce stays light and never greasy
- Build the Meat Sauce:
- Combine the browned beef and all the spaghetti sauce in the pan. Add Italian seasoning. Stir to blend, simmer just one to two minutes for flavors to mingle. Pull off heat and let rest
- Cook and Drain Pasta:
- Fill a large saucepan with water and a big pinch of salt. Bring to rapid boil. Drop in dried spaghetti and cook until just tender or al dente. Drain pasta thoroughly so the sauce will stick later
- Mix Pasta Base:
- While the pasta is still piping hot, place it in a large bowl. Add in chunks of room-temp cream cheese and the minced garlic. Toss quickly until the cheese melts and coats spaghetti in a creamy layer
- Assemble Casserole:
- Spoon just enough meat sauce to coat the bottom of the baking dish. Evenly arrange your creamy spaghetti over top. Top pasta with all remaining sauce, smoothing gently for even coverage
- Finish With Cheese and Bake:
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese all over the surface. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Watch for the topping to turn golden and the sauce to bubble at the edges
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Cream cheese is my favorite ingredient here. It gives such silkiness to the warm pasta and my youngest says it is the secret why baked pasta is suddenly her favorite dinner. My family always jokes that the cheesier the better and this recipe never disappoints when big flavor is the goal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of water or sauce so everything stays moist instead of drying out. This casserole works just as well portioned into lunchboxes for hearty next-day meals
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for beef if you want a twist or a lighter flavor. Use gluten-free spaghetti to make it celiac-friendly. For a vegetarian option skip the meat and layer with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for depth
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this baked spaghetti with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian-American meal. A drizzle of good olive oil and a little black pepper at the table makes adults happy too
Cultural Context
Baked spaghetti is an Italian-American creation that blends the tradition of pasta al forno with American-style casseroles. Adding cream cheese is a delicious nod to the comfort food sensibility in home kitchens here
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I prevent the cream cheese from clumping in the pasta?
Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature and combine it with hot, freshly drained spaghetti. Mix thoroughly so it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- → Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives. Adjust seasonings as needed for best flavor.
- → What type of spaghetti sauce works best?
A tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs is ideal, but you can choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- → Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?
No, bake uncovered to allow the cheese to brown and the top to develop a golden, bubbly crust.
- → How do I reheat leftovers for best results?
Reheat portions in a microwave or oven until warmed through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or extra sauce before heating.