Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, satisfying baked pasta dish. It features layers of hearty meat sauce, tender spaghetti, and creamy cheese, creating a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.
Author:Elias Rodger
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:65 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Diet:None
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow flavors to meld.
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer.
Top with the remaining spaghetti.
Spoon the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meat sauce.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the meat sauce simmer longer.
You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture ahead of time.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.