Creamy Baked Spaghetti: A Comforting Classic

This creamy baked spaghetti is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make and requires minimal effort, yet it’s packed with flavor. The rich, creamy sauce, combined with the hearty ground beef and al dente pasta, is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 (26 oz) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Meat: Brown ground beef in a skillet, then drain off excess grease. Stir in spaghetti sauce and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Mix until well combined.
5. Layer the Dish: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the spaghetti mixture, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
6. Bake: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.

Tips:

• For a more flavorful dish, consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce.
• To make the casserole even creamier, add a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup to the sauce.
• If you want a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

This creamy baked spaghetti is a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s a great way to use up leftover pasta or to make a quick and easy weeknight dinner.