Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer as follows:
- Half the cooked spaghetti
- All of the cream cheese mixture
- Remaining spaghetti
- Meat sauce
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Note:
This dish can be assembled a day ahead and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it—perfect for busy days or prepping for a potluck. You can also swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or use a meatless sauce for a vegetarian version. Leftovers reheat beautifully and freeze well, making it a great option for meal planning or sharing with a friend in need.