Indulge in the rich flavors of this baked cream cheese spaghetti recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that will keep you coming back for more. The harmonious blend of tender beef, savory onions, and creamy marinara sauce, all wrapped up with a generous helping of shredded cheese, is sure to become a family favorite. This comforting dish pairs seamlessly with an array of side options and is guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters. And the best part? You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes! If you’re a pasta enthusiast, you might also appreciate trying out creative recipes like smoked Italian pasta salad, ricotta beef stuffed pasta shells, or pancetta pea pasta – all of which are sure to become new staples in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love It
In just half an hour, you can have a mouth-watering baked cream cheese spaghetti dish ready for dinner. What sets this recipe apart is its bold flavor profile, which combines the savory taste of beef with the richness of cream cheese, shredded cheese, marinara sauce, garlic, and more. One of the best things about this recipe is just how easy it is to prepare. Simply cook your spaghetti according to package instructions, whip up a meat sauce with your choice of beef, and then combine the two, topping with a blend of cheeses before baking until golden brown and bubbly.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
To prepare this hearty pasta dish, start by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions and draining it when done. Meanwhile, pan-fry sliced onions in olive oil until they’re tender, then set them aside for later use. In a separate pan, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Next, add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the pan, stirring well to combine. Turn the heat down low and let it simmer for a bit. Now it’s time to combine the cooked spaghetti with softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl, stirring until smooth. Add some minced garlic and dried chives to give it an extra boost of flavor. Then, mix the spaghetti mixture with the ground beef mixture, adding half of the shredded mozzarella cheese along the way. Finally, transfer the mixture to a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish, topping it with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Elevate the flavor by substituting ground spicy sausage for the ground beef, or introduce some heat with crushed red pepper. Alternatively, add some cheesy goodness by swapping the onions for cheddar and Colby jack cheese, using Italian blend, Mexican blend, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese. For a premium twist, sauté some mushrooms and onions, then top your dish with freshly grated cheese and fresh herbs for a sophisticated finish. And if you’re catering to dietary restrictions, simply swap the traditional spaghetti for gluten-free pasta shapes that suit your taste.
How to Store Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese
When it comes to storing leftover recipes like this one, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind. First, store any leftovers that you don’t plan on consuming immediately in an airtight container within four days. The refrigerator is a great place for this, as it will help to keep bacteria from growing and ensure that your food remains fresh. If you do need to freeze some of the leftover portions, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. When it’s time to reheat, there are a couple of different options available. One is to use the air fryer, which can be a great way to add some extra flavor and texture back into your leftovers. Simply place the leftover portion in a ramekin, sprinkle on some additional shredded cheese for good measure, and heat it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Alternatively, you could also reheat your leftovers in the microwave. Regardless of which method you choose, just be sure to heat them until they’re piping hot before serving.
Top Tips
When preparing ground beef with high fat content, consider draining the excess fat before adding marinara sauce. However, feel free to keep it if you prefer. To minimize washing up, utilize a cast iron skillet that can be used both on the stovetop and in the oven. If you don’t have one, simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish, although this will add another task to your post-meal chores. For a reliable large cast iron skillet, invest in a quality one that will become a staple in your kitchen. Finally, resist the temptation to serve immediately and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to prevent burns. This brief wait can be an opportunity to prepare a refreshing salad or side dish.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe FAQs
To make this vegetarian, simply swap out the ground beef with an alternative protein source such as mushrooms, tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP). The rest of the dish can remain unchanged. For added flavor and creaminess, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to each serving, accompanied by a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. You may also want to offer hot sauce or red pepper flakes on the side for added spice.For a low-carb version, consider substituting traditional pasta with keto-friendly alternatives such as zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. Additionally, opt for full-fat ground beef, cream cheese and a keto-approved spaghetti sauce like Rao’s to keep the carb count in check.
Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering baked cream cheese spaghetti that’s sure to become a family favorite. This comforting dish is on the table in just half an hour, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time. With its meaty, cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Serve up to six people with this easy recipe.
Instructions
To begin, set your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you haven’t cooked your pasta yet, now’s the time to do so; once it’s done, drain it and set it aside for later. In a large skillet with a diameter of around 12 inches, heat some oil over medium heat until it’s warm. Add sliced onions and cook them until they’re soft and tender. Then, add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, then mix everything together thoroughly until the meat is no longer pink. Next, pour in some Marinara sauce and add a dash of Italian seasoning for added flavor. Mix well to combine, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer. In a separate bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with cream cheese. Use tongs or two forks to mix everything together until the pasta is nicely coated. Add some minced garlic and dry chives on top, mixing once more to distribute evenly. Finally, add the seasoned spaghetti to the meat mixture, stirring well to coat the noodles in the savory sauce. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese over the top and mix again to combine. Transfer the mixture to a skillet and spread it out evenly, topping with the remaining cheese. Bake everything in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the top layer is melted and bubbly.
Notes
To prevent the cooked spaghetti from sticking together as you prepare it for the sauce, consider adding a small amount of olive oil after draining. This simple step can make a big difference in the overall texture and ease of mixing your pasta dish.