Indulge in a culinary adventure with our Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, a dish that beautifully melds the rich flavors of creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. This comforting creation is a true family favorite, perfect for bringing loved ones together around the dinner table. Let’s embark on a journey of taste and texture with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Cooking Tips for Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti:
Creamy Spaghetti Perfection:
When mixing the cream cheese with hot spaghetti, ensure that the noodles are still warm. This helps the cream cheese melt and coat the spaghetti evenly, creating a luscious texture.
Balanced Seasoning:
Adjust the Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt to your taste preference. Taste the beef mixture before assembling the dish to ensure a well-seasoned and balanced flavor profile.
Layering Technique:
Begin by lightly spraying the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Evenly distribute the hamburger mixture on the bottom for a flavorful foundation.
Layer the spaghetti on top, ensuring an even spread.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese before adding the final layer of mozzarella for a perfect cheesy topping.
Perfectly Bubbly and Golden:
Monitor the baking time closely to achieve the desired bubbly and golden appearance. Adjust the time as needed based on your oven’s temperature accuracy.
Rest Before Serving:
Allow the baked dish to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Customize to Your Taste:
Feel free to add personal touches such as fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or additional vegetables to tailor the dish to your preferences.
Make-Ahead Convenience:
Prepare the spaghetti and hamburger mixture in advance, refrigerate, and assemble just before baking for a time-saving option.
Creative Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Experiment with different cheese varieties for added flavor complexity.
With these tips, your Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti will be a delightful culinary experience, bringing joy to your table with its creamy, savory goodness. Enjoy the cooking process and the shared moments around this comforting dish!
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup grated carrots
12 oz spaghetti
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1, 28 oz jar prepared spaghetti sauce
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
Prepare the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and immediately add the cream cheese. Thoroughly mix the cream cheese into the hot noodles, ensuring a velvety consistency.
Brown the Ground Beef Mixture: In a pan, brown the lean ground beef along with diced green peppers, onions, grated carrots, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Once browned, drain the excess fat and return the mixture to the pan. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, creating a flavorful blend.
Assemble the Layers: Lightly spray a 9 x 13 Pyrex baking dish and spread a small amount of the hamburger mixture on the bottom. Layer the spaghetti on top of the sauce, followed by the remaining hamburger mixture. Sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and top it off with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the assembled dish into the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Savor the Delight: Once baked to perfection, remove the Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Dish out generous portions and savor the delightful combination of creamy textures and savory flavors.
Embrace the joy of a home-cooked meal with this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti, a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors and the shared moments around the table with family and friends.