Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and creamy pasta bake that combines the best of spaghetti and lasagna. It features layers of spaghetti, a cheesy filling, seasoned meat sauce, and a crispy, buttery topping. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and makes for excellent leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Layer:

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Meat Sauce Layer:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Boil spaghetti noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil and salt, and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion until browned.
   • Add garlic, cook for 1 minute, then stir in marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

   • In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, sour cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Spread half of the spaghetti in the baking dish.
   • Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
   • Top with the remaining spaghetti and then all of the meat sauce.

6. Add the Topping:

   • Pour the melted butter evenly over the top.
   • Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Serve & Enjoy:

   • Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes & Tips

• Meat Variations: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative.
• Cheese Alternatives: Cottage cheese can replace ricotta, and you can use different cheese blends.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
• Freezing Instructions: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Servings & Nutritional Info

Servings: 8
Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g

Benefits of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

✅ High in Protein: Great for muscle building and energy.
✅ Comfort Food: A perfect, filling meal for the whole family.
✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Saves time for busy weeknights.
✅ Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on dietary preferences.

Q&A Section

❓ Can I use gluten-free pasta?
✔ Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti.

❓ How do I store leftovers?
✔ Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

❓ Can I make this vegetarian?
✔ Absolutely! Use plant-based meat or extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach.

❓ What can I add for extra flavor?
✔ Try adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh basil for freshness.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a must-try for any pasta lover. Enjoy! 🍝💰