Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready when you’ve assembled the casserole.
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Drain them well and set aside. Overcooking the noodles can make them mushy in the casserole, so aim for a slightly firm texture.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
Mix the cooked ground beef with the spaghetti sauce in a bowl. This creates a flavorful meat sauce that will be layered in the casserole.
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy layer adds richness and depth to the casserole.
Spread the melted butter evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking and adds a buttery flavor to the base.
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. This creates a creamy, cheesy middle layer.
Add the remaining spaghetti noodles as the next layer. Pour the meat and sauce mixture over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the noodles completely.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, sprinkle Parmesan cheese generously over the top and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
### **Tips for Success**
– **Noodles:** Cook the spaghetti noodles just until al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
– **Ground Beef:** For extra flavor, season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning while cooking.
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