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Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti: Comfort Food for Cozy Nights

Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a cozy, make-ahead casserole that's perfect for family dinners and easy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 12 oz Dry Spaghetti The base of this dish, use regular dry spaghetti.
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef Can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Offers foundational flavor when sautéed.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced garlic elevates the dish.
  • 24 oz High-Quality Marinara Sauce Opt for thick marinara to avoid a watery casserole.
For the Creamy Layer
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Used for sautéing the onion and beef.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Ensure it's softened for easy mixing.
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning Infuses the cream cheese with herby goodness.
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder Adds extra garlic flavor.
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Freshly grated for the gooey stretch.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated for a nutty flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley For garnish.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook dry spaghetti in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package instructions.
  3. In a large skillet, sauté lean ground beef and chopped onion until browned.
  4. Add minced garlic and marinara sauce to meat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Beat softened cream cheese with Italian seasoning and garlic powder until smooth.
  6. Layer cream cheese mixture over cooked spaghetti in the baking dish, followed by meat sauce and cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This casserole is a make-ahead meal that can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months.

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