The dish was a big hit with my entire family. I plan on making twice as much next time

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant.

4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbly.

5. Stir in the marinara sauce, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

6. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

7. In a greased baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with half of the cream cheese mixture, then half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers once more.

8. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce enhances the nutritional value and adds a lovely texture. For those who like a bit of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce can elevate the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping out marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce offers a decadently different take on this dish.