ADVERTISEMENT
Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite
Looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a crowd-pleasing appeal? Look no further than Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This creamy, cheesy, and deliciously satisfying casserole has become a go-to meal for families and gatherings alike. It’s the perfect combination of creamy cheese, savory pasta, and seasoned ground beef, baked to perfection and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a dish for a potluck, this casserole is sure to steal the spotlight. Let’s dive into what makes this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole the ultimate family favorite.
What Makes Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole So Special?
The magic of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole lies in its layers of flavor. Imagine the richness of a creamy cheese sauce, the heartiness of seasoned ground beef, and the satisfying bite of pasta – all baked into a bubbly, golden dish. Here’s why this casserole is often considered a “million-dollar” dish:
- Creamy and Cheesy: With both cream cheese and shredded cheddar, the casserole has a rich, creamy, and cheesy texture that will have your taste buds singing.
- Flavorful and Savory: Seasoned ground beef adds a savory, meaty component, while the pasta provides the perfect base to absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Simple to Make: Even though it tastes like a million bucks, this casserole is surprisingly easy to prepare with everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Now, let’s get into the recipe!
Ingredients for Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce (or any pasta sauce of your choice)
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spaghetti:
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Sauce and Seasoning:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning (if using). Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until smooth. This will form your creamy cheese base.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients. Start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti. Then, dollop half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the meat sauce, smoothing it out evenly.
6. Add More Layers:
Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the meat sauce, and finally, the remaining cream cheese mixture. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with
