Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the meat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick and well-combined, with a luscious, creamy texture.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, begin layering your casserole. Start with half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Top the cheese layer with half of the meat sauce, spreading it evenly over the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.

5. Top with Cheese

Once all the layers are assembled, sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. This will create a beautiful, cheesy, golden-brown topping as it bakes.

6. Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

1. Rich and Creamy: The creamy cheese mixture gives this casserole an indulgent texture, adding a luxurious touch to the traditional spaghetti dish. The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes every bite irresistible.
2. Simple and Convenient: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare. The ingredients are simple, and the recipe doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. It’s also a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze!
3. Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want a meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s also great for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later.
4. Perfect for Large Gatherings: With its generous servings, this casserole is ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, with everyone coming back for seconds.

Variations and Customizations

While Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

• Add Vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into the sauce to add more nutrients and flavor.
• Meat Alternatives: If you prefer a meatless dish, use a plant-based protein or skip the meat altogether and opt for a hearty marinara sauce with extra veggies.
• Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce for a little extra heat and flavor.
• Make It Lighter: Use low-fat cheese and sour cream for a lighter version of this dish without sacrificing too much of the rich flavor.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven and you don’t want it to become too soft.
• Let It Cool Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This will help it set and make it easier to slice and serve.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be made a day in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven for 40-45 minutes, covered, and then uncovered to brown the cheese.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings for something rich, cheesy, and delicious. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect meal to bring to your next family dinner or gathering. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this casserole is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.