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For the Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta, cooked and drained (or any pasta you prefer)
How to Make Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by cooking the meat sauce. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, then stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Next, add the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is evenly distributed. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Start by layering half of the cooked spaghetti pasta at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, and then layer half of the meat sauce on top.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese mixture on top.
This layering method ensures every bite has the perfect balance of pasta, meat, and cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
For an extra cheesy top, you can sprinkle a little more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is rich and filling on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or zucchini would complement the casserole perfectly and add some color and nutrients to the meal.
Why This Casserole is a Must-Make
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create the ultimate comfort food.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and familiar flavors make this a big hit with children (and adults too!).
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a gathering, this casserole will be devoured in no time.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that everyone in your family will love. It’s cheesy, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for a special gathering, this casserole is easy to make, and it’s sure to impress your guests. Try this recipe once, and it will undoubtedly become a staple in your dinner rotation!
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