Elevate Your Dinner Game with Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy twist. Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and indulgent dish that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. This recipe takes traditional spaghetti to new heights by incorporating creamy cream cheese, savory ground beef, and rich Italian flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Join us as we dive into the recipe, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and creative variations to make your dinner table the talk of the town.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Spaghetti
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
• 1 (28 ounce) jar Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 pinch Garlic Salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Instructions

Preparing the Spaghetti:

1. Cooking the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.

Cooking the Ground Beef:

1. Browning the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
2. Adding Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the seasonings are well incorporated.
3. Incorporating the Sauce: Pour the jar of spaghetti sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef and stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat through and meld the flavors.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Mixture:

1. Softening the Cream Cheese: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Adding Flavor: Stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic salt, and mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.

Assembling and Baking:

1. Layering the Ingredients: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top the spaghetti with half of the ground beef and sauce mixture, followed by dollops of the cream cheese mixture.
2. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, ground beef and sauce mixture, and cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the assembled dish, covering it with aluminum foil.
4. Baking: Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Let It Rest: Allow the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Creamy Variation: For an extra creamy texture, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream into the cream cheese mixture before layering it with the spaghetti and beef.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and substitute it with your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
• Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the ground beef and sauce mixture for a spicy twist.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Zucchini Noodles: Substitute the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative. Sauté the zoodles in olive oil until tender before layering them with the beef and sauce mixture.
• Almond Flour Crust: Create a keto-friendly crust by mixing almond flour, shredded Parmesan cheese, and melted butter, then pressing it into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the other layers.

Low-Carb Version:

• Shirataki Noodles: Replace the spaghetti with shirataki noodles, which are low in carbs and calories, for a low-carb version of this dish. Rinse the shirataki noodles well and pat them dry before using them in the recipe.
• Cauliflower Rice: Swap the spaghetti for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Sauté the cauliflower rice in a skillet with olive oil until tender before assembling the dish.

In conclusion, Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy twist. With its layers of tender spaghetti, savory ground beef and sauce mixture, and creamy cream cheese filling, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carbs, or simply craving a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe has you covered. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a cozy and comforting dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Leftover Storage: Store any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking for up to 3 months. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.
• Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding extra ingredients such as diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the ground beef and sauce mixture. Experiment with different cheeses or spices to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.