Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti
Ingredients:
– 12 oz. spaghetti
– 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 jar (24 oz.) marinara or pasta sauce
– 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (optional)
– 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. Cook Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until soft. Add ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce (and diced tomatoes if using). Let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Layer the Dish:
– In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti.
– Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
– Add the remaining half of the spaghetti on top.
– Pour the meat sauce over the layered spaghetti.
6. Add Cheese: Top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
This dish is comforting, creamy, and cheesy—a perfect meal for family dinner!
