If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious casserole that will leave your family asking for seconds, then this Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect dish. Combining the best elements of baked spaghetti and lasagna, this dish is loaded with creamy layers of cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella creates a rich, indulgent texture that earns this recipe its ‘million-dollar’ name. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a meal for a special occasion, this casserole is a guaranteed hit!
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Other Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Toss cooked spaghetti with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Spread half of the spaghetti in the baking dish.
- Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture.
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it an ultimate comfort food. The layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce come together beautifully in every bite, offering a dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. Pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that will impress everyone at the table. Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a taste of homemade comfort!