Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

 

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and cheesy baked pasta dish that combines elements of lasagna and spaghetti. It gets its name from its indulgent layers of pasta, creamy cheese mixture, and hearty meat sauce. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the meat sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheese mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

For the pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

For topping:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the meat sauce

   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
   • Add diced onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the cheese mixture

   • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley until smooth.

4. Assemble the casserole

   • Toss the cooked spaghetti with melted butter.
   • Spread half of the spaghetti in the baking dish.
   • Layer with the cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
   • Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
   • Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading evenly.

5. Bake the casserole

   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve

   • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
   • Garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Enjoy this rich and creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! Would you like any modifications to suit your taste?