Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines layers of pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling that melts perfectly in the oven. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit with the family!

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Casserole:

• 8 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.

2. Prepare the Casserole Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir until the pasta is well coated and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
3. Add 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and mix until evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta layer, spreading it out evenly.
3. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and meat sauce, creating two layers.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

4. Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

5. Serve

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a vegetarian meat substitute or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a meatless version.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, savory, and sure to please everyone at the table!