Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish combining layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory ground beef marinara, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this comforting casserole bakes to golden perfection for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 cups Marinara Sauce
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz Spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and onions are translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta, then top with the remaining spaghetti and the rest of the meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the assembled casserole to create a delicious golden crust when baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This helps the dish heat evenly and keeps it moist during the initial baking phase.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden and slightly crispy.
- Rest the Casserole: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the casserole and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cooking spaghetti al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a fresh pop of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, baked spaghetti, creamy pasta casserole, ground beef pasta bake, cheesy spaghetti casserole
