Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti noodles to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
2. Cream Cheese Sauce: Add the cubed cream cheese to the hot spaghetti. Toss the noodles until the cream cheese is fully melted and evenly coats the pasta, forming a creamy sauce.
3. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it is fully browned, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4. Season and Simmer: Add the Italian seasoning and minced garlic to the meat. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat and marinara sauce mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the cream cheese-coated spaghetti on top, then cover with the remaining meat and marinara sauce.
6. Add Cheese and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
7. Serve: Allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked cream cheese spaghetti casserole!