Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This recipe layers spaghetti noodles with creamy cheese, a rich meat sauce, and a golden, melted cheese topping, creating a dish that feels like a million bucks. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a potluck, this casserole promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

• Rich and Creamy: Every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Perfect for Large Gatherings: Easily serves a crowd and is always a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Ideal for preparing ahead, making your dinner plans as easy as bake and serve.

Personal Story:
The first time I had Million Dollar Spaghetti, it was at a community potluck. I was immediately taken by its rich taste and comforting texture. After several attempts and tweaks, I’ve perfected my version of the recipe. It’s now a cherished dish for family celebrations and a surefire way to bring everyone to the table.

Key Features:

• Layers of creamy, cheesy mixture and savory meat sauce
• A generous cheese topping that melts into a golden crust
• Comforting and satisfying, perfect for any day of the year

What I need to make Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• 1 cup cottage cheese mixed into the cream cheese layer for added texture

How to make Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and water. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
5. To assemble, spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, then spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti. Layer the remaining spaghetti over the cream cheese mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Cooking Tips For Easy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

• For an extra creamy texture, add a layer of cottage cheese or ricotta between the spaghetti and meat sauce.
• Ensure the cream cheese mixture is evenly spread to prevent dry spots.

Variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Make It Healthier For Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

• Opt for whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber.
• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-fat cream cheese to reduce fat content.

Closing For Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and spectacular. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the rich layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly worth a million dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

Can I freeze this Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or even short pasta like penne or rigatoni.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Easily incorporate vegetables by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.

What can I serve with Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
A simple green salad and garlic bread make perfect companions to this rich and hearty dish.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Meat Sauce:

• pound ground beef

• onion, finely chopped

• cloves garlic, minced

• can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• can (6 ounces) tomato paste

• can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes

• /2 cup water

• teaspoons dried oregano

• teaspoons dried basil

• teaspoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

• ounces cream cheese, softened

• /2 cup sour cream

• /4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• /4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Other Ingredients:

• pound spaghetti

• cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

• Meat Sauce:
• In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions are translucent.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, water, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cream Cheese Mixture:
• In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
• Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish.
• Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
• Pour half of the meat sauce over the cream cheese layer.
• Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
• Top the casserole with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.