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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
When it comes to comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meals, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This indulgent dish combines layers of creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta, all baked to perfection for a meal that feels luxurious yet is incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or craving a hearty dinner, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.
With its rich and flavorful layers, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole lives up to its name—it’s that good. Here’s everything you need to know to make this cheesy, comforting dish that’s destined to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (16 oz) spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination of both)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
- Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- While the spaghetti is cooking, brown the ground beef (or Italian sausage) in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the cooked meat and stir to combine. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once ready, set the meat sauce aside.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Follow with half of the cooked spaghetti, layering it evenly on top of the sauce.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Top the cheese mixture with the remaining spaghetti and finish by spreading the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
