Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole combining spaghetti, a rich cream cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and melted cheddar. It’s a delicious, cheesy twist on traditional spaghetti, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients :
1 lb of ground beef
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
8 oz of cream cheese
¼ cup sour cream
½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup)
½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 pkg spaghetti 16 oz
Grated cheddar cheese
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°. Boil your spaghetti noodles until al dente (firm). Drain and set aside until ready to assemble.
Combine the cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese until well blended.
Brown your hamburger and when done, drain well. Combine the hamburger with your spaghetti sauce.
Put a few slices of butter into a 9×13 pan then pour half of your spaghetti noodles on top.
Take your cream cheese mixture and pour on top of the noodles. Spread well over noodles.
Pour the rest of the noodles on top of the cream cheese mixture. Put a few more slices of butter on top of the noodles.
Pour your spaghetti and meat sauce on top of your noodles.
Now it is ready to put into the oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour the desired amount of grated cheese on top and return to the oven for 15 minutes to allow cheese to mel.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Add-ins: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions into the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan for varied taste.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce for a spicier version.
Tips:
Reheat Properly: When reheating leftovers, cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from drying out.
Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure the spaghetti is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Layering: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles for a balanced flavor throughout.
Rest Before Serving: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
To store Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the bake to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Refrigeration: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent the top from drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
The nutritional information for Cream Cheese Spaghetti Bake can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size. However, a general estimate for one serving (about 1/8th of a 9×13-inch pan) might include:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal
- Total Fat: 25-35 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12-18 grams
- Cholesterol: 70-100 mg
- Sodium: 600-800 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 6-10 grams
- Protein: 20-25 grams
These values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For precise nutritional information, it’s best to calculate based on the exact recipe and serving size.