Description
Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a delightful dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and rich marinara sauce, creating the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for quick family dinners or gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying!
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
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces block whole-milk mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick oil spray.
- 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 no pink remains, then drain off excess fat.
- Stir in jarred marinara sauce with the cooked beef, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes while the pasta cooks. Remove from heat.
- Cook spaghetti noodles in boiling salted water for 9-11 minutes until al dente, then drain and transfer to a bowl.
- Add cream cheese, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the spaghetti. Stir until smooth, adding more olive oil if necessary.
- Spread 1 cup of meat sauce over the baking dish bottom, then layer in the spaghetti noodles and top with remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top of the spaghetti.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in your favorite vegetables or spices into the meat sauce.
Make ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a convenient meal option later.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg