Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until meat is browned and onions are translucent.
  2. Stir in minced garlic for 60 seconds, then add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
  3. In a food processor or mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, low-fat cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese until completely smooth.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. Layer the casserole: spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom, followed by half of the al dente spaghetti, the whipped cheese mixture, the remaining spaghetti, and the rest of the meat sauce.
  6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes. Optional: broil for 2 minutes for a golden crust.