Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pasta water
  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, then stir in the minced garlic for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the marinara sauce and dried oregano, simmering on low for 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Boil the spaghetti in salted water, draining them 2 minutes before they reach al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the hot noodles, softened cream cheese, parmesan, and the reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese melts into a velvety coating.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
  6. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the creamy spaghetti on top, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat the layers once more.
  7. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is deep golden brown.