Welcome to our blog, where we share delicious and comforting recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Today, we have a special treat for pasta lovers – a mouthwatering baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole. This delectable dish combines the richness of cream cheese with the goodness of spaghetti, resulting in a cheesy, creamy, and oh-so-delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Recipe: Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.
7. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the meat sauce and toss to coat well.
9. Transfer half of the spaghetti mixture to the greased baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
10. Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The combination of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and creamy cream cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors in every bite. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Give this recipe a try, and we guarantee it will become a family favorite in no time!
