Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines familiar Italian flavors in a creamy, indulgent baked format.
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 & Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for assembling the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir marinara sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer, then add the remaining spaghetti. Top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the assembled layers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheeses.
- Bake Uncovered for Browning: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to let it set and cool slightly for easier slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole warm, ideally paired with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cook the spaghetti just until al dente as it will continue to cook during baking.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta and full-fat cream cheese.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead; refrigerate assembled but unbaked and bake before serving.
- If desired, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, cheesy spaghetti bake, ground beef casserole, Italian casserole, creamy pasta bake, comfort food
