Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish that’s sure to be a hit with your family! It’s a simple but decadent recipe that combines spaghetti, a rich and creamy sauce, and a perfect layer of melted cheese. It’s a great comfort food and makes an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.

Here’s how to make this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) spaghetti pasta
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk, if you prefer)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or whisk to ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large greased casserole dish, layer the cooked spaghetti on the bottom.
Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
Pour the meat sauce over the creamy layer and spread it out evenly.
Top the casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

6. Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with some chopped parsley or basil for added color and freshness, if desired.

Tips:

Make-Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and replace it with vegetarian crumbles, mushrooms, or any veggies you love.
Cheese Variations: If you prefer different cheeses, feel free to swap out the mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.
Leftovers: This casserole makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a decadent, cheesy dish that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s comfort food at its best—creamy, cheesy, and full of delicious flavors! Enjoy!