Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

🍝 Creamy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

📝 Ingredients

• 12 oz Spaghetti

• 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey

• 1 jar (24 oz) Marinara Sauce

• 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)

• ¼ cup Sour Cream

• 1 cup Cottage Cheese or Ricotta Cheese

• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

• 1 tsp Onion Powder

• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

• 1 Small Onion (diced)

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)

• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

• Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)

---

🔥 Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

   • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion in olive oil (3–4 minutes).

   • Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

   • Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Mix the Creamy Layer:

   • In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage or ricotta cheese, and half the shredded mozzarella.

   • Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • In a greased baking dish, layer in this order:

     1. Cooked spaghetti

     2. Creamy cheese mixture (spread evenly)

     3. Meat sauce

     4. Remaining mozzarella + Parmesan cheese

5. Bake It:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Rest & Serve:

   • Let cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.