Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti
Try this Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti recipe, or contribute your own.
- • 1/2 cup sour cream
- • 1 pound spaghetti
- • 1 pound ground beef
- • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese softened
- • 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- • 1 small white onion chopped
- • 2 cloves garlic minced
- • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350° F and bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook pasta according to packaging directions, or until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sauté onion until softened and translucent. 6-8 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking up into small pieces, until browned on all sides.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then add basil, oregano and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, or until somewhat thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream together until combined.
- Place drained pasta in a large baking dish and spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Top with beef and tomato sauce, then sprinkle cheeses evenly over the top.
- Place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and serve hot.
Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti: A Weeknight Winner
Let’s be honest, weeknights are crazy. Between work, school pick-ups, homework battles, and the general chaos of family life, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel downright impossible. That’s where this Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti recipe comes in. It’s a lifesaver, a total game-changer, and honestly, the easiest comfort food I’ve made in ages.
I stumbled across this recipe while scrolling through my favorite food blogs (yes, I’m a total foodie!). The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty spaghetti and rich meat sauce initially sounded a little too decadent for a simple weeknight meal. But oh my goodness, I was wrong! It's surprisingly easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and leaves everyone feeling happy and full. It's become a staple in our house, requested frequently by my family (and let's be honest, even by myself!). The best part? It’s incredibly adaptable. I’ve played around with it, adding different vegetables, using turkey instead of beef, even experimenting with different cheese combinations. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.
Why this recipe works: It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The creamy, tangy cream cheese sauce provides a beautiful counterpoint to the rich tomato sauce and savory ground beef. The pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. It's also incredibly forgiving – don't worry if your sauce isn’t perfectly smooth, or if the cheese isn't perfectly melted. This dish is all about comforting goodness, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.
This recipe is not just for busy weeknights; it's perfect for family gatherings and potlucks too. It's always a crowd-pleaser, and the comforting aroma alone is enough to make everyone excited for dinner. Trust me, this is one recipe that you’ll want to add to your repertoire, keep handy, and make again and again. It's more than just a meal; it's a family favorite, a weeknight savior, and a testament to the power of simple, delicious food. Give it a try; you won’t regret it!
Ingredients you might need:
- Pasta: Spaghetti is classic, but you could easily use other long pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine.
- Ground Beef: A lean ground beef is ideal, but you can also use ground turkey or even Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Use a high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also add a little diced tomatoes for some extra texture.
- Cream Cheese: This adds incredible creaminess to the sauce. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes easily.
- Cheeses: Cheddar and Parmesan are classic, but feel free to get creative! Mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of different cheeses would work wonderfully.
- Aromatics: Onion, garlic, basil, and oregano add depth and complexity to the flavor of the sauce.
- Seasoning: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper! A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is crucial for preventing a mushy casserole.
- Soften the cream cheese. This will ensure it blends smoothly into the sour cream.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s preferences are different, so feel free to add more or less of your favorite spices.
- Let it rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set and the sauce to thicken.
This Cream Cheese Baked Spaghetti is a true testament to the idea that simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. It's a recipe that is both easy enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough to serve to company. So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, look no further. This dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
