Tip: This cheesy, comforting spaghetti casserole has approximately 400-450 calories per serving, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want a hearty meal. Serve with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef

1 jar of spaghetti sauce

8 oz cream cheese

¼ cup sour cream

½ lb cottage cheese (1 cup)

½ cup butter (1 stick)

1 package spaghetti (16 oz)

Grated cheddar cheese (for topping)

Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil the spaghetti noodles until al dente (firm). Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well blended.

Brown the Ground Beef:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain the excess fat and then mix the cooked beef with the spaghetti sauce.

Assemble the Casserole:

In a 9x13-inch baking pan, place a few slices of butter at the bottom.

Add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles over the butter.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.

Add the remaining noodles on top, and place a few more slices of butter over the noodles.

Pour the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture over the noodles.

Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Add the Cheese:
After 30 minutes, sprinkle your desired amount of grated cheddar cheese on top.
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes:
Saving Energy: This casserole bakes at a moderate temperature for 45 minutes, making it a reasonably energy-efficient meal. You can use a convection oven for faster cooking.

Health Benefits: While this dish is indulgent, it offers protein from the beef and cheese, as well as fiber from the noodles. However, it’s high in calories and fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. You can lighten it up by using lean ground beef or reduced-fat cheese.