Description
This baked spaghetti dish combines the rich tang of cream cheese, savory ground beef, and gooey mozzarella into a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection!
Ingredients
For the pasta base:
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12 oz (340g) spaghetti
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt for boiling water
For the meat sauce:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the creamy cheese layer:
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8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté onion in olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
4️⃣ Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
5️⃣ Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
6️⃣ Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.
7️⃣ Mix the cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan in a large bowl until the noodles are well coated.
8️⃣ Spread the creamy pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
9️⃣ Top with meat sauce, spreading it out evenly over the pasta layer.
🔟 Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously over the top.
1️⃣1️⃣ Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
1️⃣2️⃣ Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
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For extra flavor, you can use Italian sausage in place of ground beef.
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Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for a veggie boost.
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This dish can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving—perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min