MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside.

2. Cook the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Once the meat and onion are cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. If you’re using ricotta cheese, add it here as well. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, blending everything together until smooth. You can also add a splash of heavy cream if you want to make the mixture extra creamy.

4. Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly along the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture. Then, spread the creamy cheese mixture over the sauce, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Repeat the layers: add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top for that gooey, golden crust.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to melt and bubble up into a deliciously golden crust.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is baked and golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and a fresh flavor to your dish. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

• Cheesy Goodness in Every Bite: The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, and cream cheese makes this dish irresistibly cheesy and creamy. The melted cheese pulls apart perfectly with each bite, making it a true comfort food.
• Easy and Customizable: While this recipe calls for ground beef and marinara sauce, you can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options. You can also use homemade sauce for an extra personal touch.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for a quick meal later on.
• Great for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, making a family meal, or bringing a dish to a potluck, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to serve a large number of people.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

• Make It Ahead of Time: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake when you’re ready to enjoy it.
• Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Feel free to add in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Extra Cheese? Yes, Please: If you’re a cheese lover, you can always add more mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy layer.
• Go Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, swap out the regular spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta variety. This dish will still be just as delicious without the gluten!

Serving Suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread to scoop up the extra sauce from the casserole.
• Salad: Serve with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole. A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a heartier meal, pair the casserole with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or roasted carrots to add more flavor and texture.

Conclusion: A Million-Dollar Meal on a Budget

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a special treat while still being incredibly easy to make. With its cheesy, creamy layers and rich meat sauce, it’s no wonder this dish is called “million dollar.” Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing guests, this casserole is guaranteed to deliver big on flavor, satisfaction, and comfort.

Try making this indulgent dish today and elevate your spaghetti game to new, cheesy heights!