Here’s a delicious recipe for Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor! This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a crowd.
Ingredients:
For the spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to prevent spaghetti from sticking)
For the meat sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or sausage, if preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheesy layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Spaghetti: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain it, and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it from sticking.
-
Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat.
-
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
-
Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well), layer the cooked spaghetti at the bottom. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Top with the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
-
Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Serve: Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and enjoy!
This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is creamy, comforting, and sure to be a hit at your table!
