1-First Step: Prep and mise en place (10 minutes) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Gather all ingredients and measure cheeses, sauce, and butter so everything is ready. Chop the small onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Set out a 9×13 inch baking pan. Softening cream cheese ahead of time makes mixing faster.

2-Second Step: Cook and brown the meats (8-10 minutes) In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound Italian sausage or pork sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until no longer pink and nicely browned. Drain most of the grease from the skillet, leaving a little for flavor.

3-Third Step: Sauté aromatics and finish the meat sauce (4-6 minutes) Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in all but 1/2 cup of the 24 ounces marinara sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and keep the meat sauce warm while you cook the pasta. Set aside the reserved 1/2 cup marinara for the pasta toss.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the spaghetti (8-10 minutes) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 16 ounces spaghetti until just al dente according to package directions. Drain well. Return hot spaghetti to the pot and toss with 3 tablespoons butter and the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce so the noodles get a touch of flavor and do not clump together. This simple toss keeps the dish cohesive when layered.

5-Fifth Step: Mix the creamy cheese layer (2-3 minutes) In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

6-Sixth Step: Assemble the casserole (5 minutes) In a greased 9×13 inch pan, spread half of the buttered noodles evenly across the bottom. Smooth the cream cheese and cottage cheese mixture over the noodles in an even layer. Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese layer. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top noodles. Finish by sprinkling 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 2/3 cup grated parmesan over the casserole.

7-Final Step: Bake, rest, and serve (30-40 minutes baking + 15 minutes resting) Bake in the preheated 350 degrees F oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Once done, remove from oven and let the casserole set for 15 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting time helps the layers firm up for cleaner slices.