Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Rich and Cheesy Comfort Dish

 Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. This dish layers perfectly cooked pasta with a savory meat sauce, rich cream cheese, and loads of melted cheese. With every forkful, you’ll savor the combination of flavors and textures that make this casserole an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt for pasta water

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Cook the Spaghetti:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce: 2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.

3. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

Make the Cheese Layer: 5. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole: 6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

7. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Top the spaghetti with the creamy cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
9. Layer the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
10. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it out to cover evenly.
11. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce, creating a generous layer.

Bake and Serve: 12. Bake the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

13. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Slice and Serve: 14. Slice the casserole into portions and serve hot.

Cook’s Notes:

• You can customize the meat sauce by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Feel free to use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or asiago, to create a unique cheese layer.
• Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole can be refrigerated and reheated for delicious next-day meals.

 Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and cheesy comfort dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Follow this recipe, create your own Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors and textures in every bite.