Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 3

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 4

Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 6

Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.

Step 7

Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 8

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 9

Spread the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 10

Layer the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti, spreading it out to cover evenly.

Step 11

Pour the marinara and meat sauce over the creamy layer, spreading it evenly across the top.

Step 12

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 13

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 14

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Step 15

Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

Step 16

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.