Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of al dente spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This hearty casserole combines ground beef or Italian sausage with marinara and multiple cheeses, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for extra protein)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat afterwards.
- Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese until smooth and evenly combined to create a creamy, rich layer.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti. Repeat by layering the remaining meat sauce, remaining spaghetti, and then the rest of the cheese mixture to form layers.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled layers, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese to add a deliciously golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use extra marinara sauce with sautéed vegetables.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce can add a nice spicy kick.
