Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

This indulgent casserole combines creamy layers of cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender spaghetti for a dish that truly lives up to its “million-dollar” name. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need some hearty comfort food.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 16 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Spread half of the spaghetti evenly in the dish.
   • Top with the entire cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
   • Add the remaining spaghetti over the cheese layer.
   • Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Bake the Casserole:
   • Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

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Tips for Success:

• Use full-fat cheese for the creamiest layers.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese mixture for extra depth of flavor.
• Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it; just bake it when you’re ready!