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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

It’s called “Million Dollar” because it’s so rich, indulgent, and absolutely delicious—yet it’s surprisingly affordable and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a comforting homemade dinner, this casserole will be your new go-to recipe!

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 egg (to help bind the cheese layer)

For the Pasta & Topping:

  • 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked & drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (to coat the pasta)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
  2. Drain excess grease, then add spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
  2. Drain the pasta and toss with melted butter to keep it from sticking.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling

  1. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and egg.
  2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pasta.
  4. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
  5. Pour the meat sauce over everything, spreading it evenly.
  6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

  1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  3. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

Notes

Serving Suggestions

🍞 Garlic Bread – The perfect side to soak up all that sauce!
🥗 Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances out the richness.
🧄 Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for a healthy side.
🍷 Red Wine – A glass of Chianti or Cabernet pairs perfectly!

  • Author: niold.com