There's something so heartwarming about bringing the family together for a homemade meal, and my Spaghetti Supreme Bake has become a staple on those chilly evenings when comfort is the order of the day. This dish is my take on traditional spaghetti, given a cozy twist with a hearty bake that infuses every noodle with delightful flavors. It's a perfect choice for when you need to feed a crowd or when you want leftovers that taste even better the next day. Whether it comes from the desire to switch up the usual pasta routine or the need for a dish that's both filling and reassuring, this Spaghetti Supreme Bake will embrace your family in homestyle goodness.
Pair this hearty bake with a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to add a fresh, crisp element to your meal. You also can't go wrong with some steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a touch of green. For an extra special touch, serve with warm garlic bread to make sure not a drop of the savory sauce goes to waste.
Spaghetti Supreme BakeServings: 8
Ingredients- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they're soft and fragrant.
3. Drain any excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
4. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti noodles until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
5. In a medium bowl, blend together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
6. In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the noodles and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Pour the meat sauce over the cheese layer and spread evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Let the bake rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Variations & Tips- Feeling adventurous? Mix in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when cooking the ground beef for added veggie goodness.
- Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- For picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions, use gluten-free pasta or try layering in some steamed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a wholesome twist.
- Remember, the key to a stress-free meal is to do as much prep ahead of time as you can. You can assemble this bake in the morning and pop it in the oven come dinnertime. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold from the fridge.
