A comforting and cheesy baked spaghetti dish that's perfect for family dinners.
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
Add a splash of olive oil to the boiling water to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together.
In a skillet, sauté the ground beef with chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground beef into small pieces for even cooking.
Stir the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture and simmer for 5 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
Press the spaghetti gently to create an even layer.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
Use a spatula to spread the cheese mixture smoothly over the spaghetti.
Top with the remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce over the top.
Ensure the meat sauce covers the spaghetti completely for even baking.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
For a golden crust, use a mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly, golden top.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving.
