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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds? Look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This dish combines the best of Italian flavors with the richness of creamy cheese and savory spaghetti, topped with a perfectly seasoned ground beef sauce. It’s easy to make, affordable, and absolutely delicious—perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a potluck. This dish is truly worth every penny!
What Makes It “Million Dollar”?
The name “Million Dollar” comes from the creamy, cheesy filling that takes this casserole to the next level. Think of it as a lasagna-inspired spaghetti bake with a luscious cream cheese layer, making every bite feel indulgent and luxurious. If you love cheesy pasta dishes, this recipe will quickly become your favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for cooking the spaghetti)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Next, pour in the marinara sauce, and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
While the meat sauce is simmering, in a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and dried parsley. Mix everything together until smooth and well-combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Then, spoon half of the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti, spreading it out evenly. Top this layer with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, creamy cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. If you like extra cheese, feel free to add more!
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