Description
12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Stir in diced onion and
garlic, cooking until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed. Pour in marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Make the Creamy Layer: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, spread the cream cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining
spaghetti. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy: Let the baked spaghetti cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 520 per serving Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect, foolproof dish. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured before you start cooking. When boiling the pasta, heavily salt the water and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests, as it will continue cooking in the oven. For the meat sauce, take the time to fully brown the ground beef to develop deep flavor, and sauté the onions until translucent before adding the garlic to prevent burning. When making the creamy layer, the cream cheese must be truly softened at room temperature to avoid lumps. For assembly, lightly toss the drained spaghetti with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking before layering.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and comforting baked spaghetti is a complete meal on its own. For a balanced dinner, pair it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. If serving a crowd, consider lighter accompaniments like roasted green beans or steamed broccoli. For a special touch, offer extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes at the table.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook spaghetti al dente. Brown meat with onion and garlic, then simmer with marinara and seasoning. Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan. In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, all the creamy mixture, the remaining pasta, the meat sauce, and top with mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this baked spaghetti ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Rigatoni, penne, or ziti work very well as their shapes hold the sauces nicely.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I freeze this dish? It freezes best before baking. Assemble, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of sour cream? Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is an excellent 1:1 substitute that will provide a similar tangy creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta will ruin the texture. Always cook to al dente.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: This leads to a chunky, uneven creamy layer. Soften it thoroughly.
- Skipping the Meat Draining: Excess grease will make the final dish oily. Drain the browned meat well.
- Overfilling the Baking Dish: Leave a little space at the top to prevent bubbly overflow in your oven.
- Not Letting it Rest: Cutting in immediately will cause it to be soupy. Let it set for 5-10 minutes after baking.
Conclusion
This creamy baked spaghetti recipe is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food, masterfully combining hearty meat sauce, rich cream cheese filling, and melted mozzarella. Its straightforward process and make-ahead flexibility make it ideal for both busy weeknights and casual gatherings. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you are guaranteed a deliciously satisfying result every time. Enjoy the layers of flavor and the comforting warmth of this classic, elevated dish.
