Creamy Spaghetti Bake (Printable Version)
Creamy noodles tossed with beef and parmesan, then baked for an easy, comforting dinner that everyone loves.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
340 g dried spaghetti
→ Meat and Sauce
02 -
450 g lean ground beef
03 -
720 ml prepared tomato-based spaghetti sauce
04 -
2 tablespoons prepared tomato-based spaghetti sauce
05 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
06 -
1 clove garlic, finely minced
→ Dairy
07 -
225 g cream cheese, at room temperature
08 -
75 g parmesan cheese, finely grated
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Set oven to 175°C and allow to fully preheat.
02 -
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off excess fat and discard.
03 -
Add prepared spaghetti sauce and Italian seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir thoroughly until well combined, then remove from heat and set aside.
04 -
Boil spaghetti in generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to eliminate excess water.
05 -
Place hot, drained spaghetti in a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and minced garlic. Toss immediately and mix until the cream cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
06 -
Lightly oil a 23 x 33 cm baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce on the base. Evenly layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti over the sauce, then pour remaining meat sauce over the top and spread for full coverage.
07 -
Scatter grated parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles at the edges.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Allow cream cheese to fully reach room temperature before combining to ensure a smooth, velvety sauce.