Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a deliciously creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of al dente spaghetti, rich ground beef marinara, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines savory flavors with a golden, bubbly top and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

16 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente

Cheese Mixture

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

Topping

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Then layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, followed by spreading all of the cheese mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining spaghetti, then pour the remaining meat sauce over it.
Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, ideally with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

Cook spaghetti just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother cheese layer.
For extra flavor, add chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: spaghetti casserole, baked pasta, cheesy casserole, ground beef pasta bake, comfort food, dinner recipe