Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s a rich, creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe — the perfect comfort food that tastes like a mix between lasagna and baked spaghetti!

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🍝 Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

For the pasta & meat layer:

• 1 lb spaghetti

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the creamy cheese layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

For topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

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Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti:

   • Boil spaghetti just until al dente. Drain and set aside (toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking).

2. Cook meat sauce:

   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease.

   • Stir in marinara sauce and season with salt and pepper.

   • Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

3. Mix cheese layer:

   • In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, garlic powder, and Parmesan until smooth.

4. Assemble casserole:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

   • Layer half the spaghetti in the dish.

   • Spread the entire cheese mixture over the noodles.

   • Add the rest of the spaghetti on top.

   • Pour meat sauce evenly over everything.

   • Top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan.

5. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

   • Garnish with parsley if desired.

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Would you like a freezer-friendly version or a way to make it lighter (e.g., lower fat or dairy-free)?