Directions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened and aromatic.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the cream cheese (if using) until the pasta becomes lightly creamy.
- Add about half of the prepared meat sauce to the pasta and mix well to coat evenly.
- Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Difficulty level: Easy
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetables and texture.
- Use ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for a more traditional Italian-style creaminess.
- Try a spicy marinara sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
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