Baked Spaghetti And Meatballs With Cream Cheese
If you are looking for a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, look no further than baked spaghetti and meatballs with cream cheese. This dish is a twist on the classic spaghetti and meatballs recipe, adding a creamy and cheesy element that takes it to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the meatballs, spreading it evenly.
- Top with the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly over the meatballs and sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
This baked spaghetti and meatballs with cream cheese recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy and cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti is irresistible. Serve it with a green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Variations:
If you want to switch things up a bit, here are a few variations you can try:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta like penne or rigatoni instead of spaghetti.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda.
- Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
