If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the answer! Combining the best of spaghetti and lasagna, this casserole features layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and a gooey, golden cheese topping. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, share tips for making it even more special, and explain why this casserole is a must-try. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Feeds a Crowd: It’s a great dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap the meat, or adjust the cheese to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Casserole:
- 12 ounces spaghetti (cooked al dente)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the meat sauce.
- Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the spaghetti doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Casserole is a Must-Try
This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well as substitutes for spaghetti.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or extra veggies like mushrooms and lentils.
4. Can I use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes! Cottage cheese adds a similar creaminess and works well in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that’s sure to bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a must-try.
So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that’s as unforgettable as it is delicious. Happy cooking!
