Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious and creamy baked pasta dish that combines a rich, cheesy sauce with layers of spaghetti, marinara sauce, and a variety of cheeses. It’s a crowd-pleaser and an easy, comforting dinner perfect for family meals or potlucks. Here’s a recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
4. Layer the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti.
- Add half of the meat and marinara sauce mixture over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers: the remaining spaghetti, then the rest of the cheese mixture, and top with the remaining meat sauce.
5. Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is indulgent and flavorful, with the perfect balance of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly baked pasta. Enjoy it as a family-friendly meal that’s sure to be a hit!