Description
Million dollar spaghetti combines creamy cheese layers with hearty meat sauce for an irresistible pasta experience. Midwestern comfort cooking reaches new heights with this crowd-pleasing casserole you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or beef and Italian sausage mix)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta by boiling in well-salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and gently coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Create a robust meat sauce by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking into small crumbles. Incorporate marinara sauce and traditional Italian herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and develop deep flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
- Craft a creamy cheese blend by combining softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and aromatic powdered seasonings. Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
- Construct the casserole in a generously greased baking dish by layering half the prepared spaghetti as the foundation. Spread the luxurious cheese mixture evenly across the pasta layer, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Complete the layering by adding the remaining spaghetti and generously pouring the hearty meat sauce over the top, ensuring complete coverage.
- Finish the dish by generously sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface for a golden, melted topping.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbly, golden-brown crust that signals perfect doneness.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a vibrant, fresh presentation before serving.
Notes
- Ensure spaghetti is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother, lump-free cheese layer.
- Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for a lighter, leaner version of the dish.
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg