Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a dish that lives up to its extravagant name. This comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole features layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich and savory meat sauce, a creamy cheese filling, and a luscious melted cheese topping. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving some classic comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the layers of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

For the Spaghetti and Cheese Layers:

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained spaghetti with the melted unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the spaghetti is well coated.

Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, grated mozzarella cheese, grated cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the spaghetti mixture as the bottom layer.
2. Spoon the entire cheese filling mixture over the first layer.
3. Add the remaining half of the spaghetti mixture over the cheese filling layer.
4. Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Slice and serve your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole while it’s hot and oozing with cheesy, saucy goodness.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a decadent comfort food masterpiece that’s sure to delight your taste buds and those of anyone lucky enough to share it with you. The layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling create a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and, indeed, a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings a taste of indulgence to your table.