How to Make It:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready while you prep.
2. Boil the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage or ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy.
4. Make the Meat Sauce
Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain any grease, and stir in the spaghetti sauce until well blended.
Layer the Casserole:
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Add slices of butter to the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Layer in half the spaghetti.
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Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
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Add the remaining pasta and top with more butter slices.
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Pour the meat sauce over everything, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake It Up
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Add the Final Cheese Touch
Remove the foil, sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese on top, and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
7. Cool & Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
The Result?
A creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly savory pasta bake that tastes like a million bucks. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day (if there’s any left!).
