Prepare Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch garlic salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions for al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir the spaghetti sauce into the cooked beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and garlic salt until smooth.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a small amount of meat sauce to cover the bottom. Add half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Cook Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach between the spaghetti and cream cheese layers.
Variations
Keto Version
Use a low-carb, keto-friendly pasta alternative like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles and a sugar-free spaghetti sauce.
Low-Carb Version
Follow the keto version’s suggestions and consider increasing the amount of beef or adding more vegetables to maintain a satisfying texture and flavor.
Nutrition Fact
Per serving (approximate values, varies based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 25g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary significantly based on ingredient choices and modifications.
Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti offers a creamy, satisfying twist on a classic pasta dish. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal meal for any occasion, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most memorable dishes.
