Cheesy Baked Spaghetti With Cream Cheese
There's nothing quite like a hot, comforting dish of baked spaghetti on a chilly day. This classic dish is a favorite among families and can be made in many different ways. However, if you're looking for a recipe that will take your spaghetti to the next level, then you have to try this cheesy baked spaghetti with cream cheese recipe.
Ingredients
Before we go into the recipe itself, let's go over the ingredients you'll need.
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Make sure to have all the ingredients on hand before you start cooking.
Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let's get started with the recipe.
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
The first step is to cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it until it's al dente, which means it's cooked but still firm to the bite. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion and green pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add the Sauces and Spices
Add the spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet with the ground beef. Mix everything together and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese and Parmesan Cheese
In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese together. Add this mixture to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a separate bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Add the milk and mix well. Pour this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Add the Spaghetti to the Baking Dish
Add the cooked spaghetti to the baking dish and mix it with the butter and milk mixture. Make sure the spaghetti is evenly coated.
Step 7: Add the Meat Sauce and Cheese
Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti and spread it out evenly. Top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the dish in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
This cheesy baked spaghetti with cream cheese recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It's easy to make and packed with flavor. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover spaghetti you may have. Give it a try and let us know what you think!