Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces dry spaghetti; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 cups marinara sauce; 8 ounces cream cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

This million dollar spaghetti casserole is a love letter to comfort food, combining layers of rich, savory flavors that dance across your taste buds. Imagine the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen as pasta bubbles away, just waiting to be kissed by marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, cheesy hug, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Growing up, this casserole was a staple at our family gatherings. It brought everyone together around the table, laughter echoing as we dug into heaping portions. Whether it was a holiday feast or an impromptu Sunday dinner, this dish never failed to impress. With its hearty ingredients and scrumptious flavors, it quickly became my go-to recipe for impressing friends and family alike. Trust me; once you make this dish, you’ll understand why it’s deemed “million dollar”—it’s pure gold on your plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This million dollar spaghetti casserole is incredibly easy to prepare so you can spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones.
The flavor combination of rich marinara, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Its vibrant layers make it visually appealing and a showstopper at any meal.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on your favorite ingredients or dietary needs!

Ingredients for million dollar spaghetti casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Spaghetti: Use about 12 ounces of dry spaghetti; cook until al dente for the best texture in your casserole.
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option; it adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Marinara Sauce: Grab your favorite brand or homemade sauce; it’s the heart and soul of this casserole.
Cream Cheese: This creamy ingredient adds a delightful richness that elevates the entire dish.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use around two cups of mozzarella; this melty goodness creates an irresistible topping.

For seasoning:

Italian Seasoning: A tablespoon will add an aromatic touch that complements all ingredients beautifully.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavor; season according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make million dollar spaghetti casserole

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about eight minutes should do it! Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks—this should take about five to seven minutes.

Step 3: Mix in Marinara Sauce

Stir in the marinara sauce with the browned beef. Let it simmer for about five minutes so flavors can meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese with Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth. Add drained spaghetti into this bowl and mix until every strand is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Layer It All Together

In a greased baking dish (9×13 works great), layer half of the spaghetti mixture at the bottom. Pour half of the meat sauce on top followed by half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until everything is used up!

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil (to keep things cozy) and bake for about twenty-five minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional fifteen minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra marinara sauce for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those family dinners that inspired this delightful creation—it truly is worth every penny!

You Must Know

This million dollar spaghetti casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights.
It not only satisfies your cravings but also allows for easy customization based on what you have in the pantry.
With its gooey cheese and rich sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by browning the ground meat in a large skillet, then sauté onions and garlic for flavor. Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente, and prepare the sauce in another pot to maximize efficiency and flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ground meat for turkey or vegetarian options. Add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers, or sprinkle in your favorite spices to personalize this million dollar spaghetti casserole to your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ensuring that cheesy goodness remains intact.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor profile; mozzarella alone can be too mild.
Check pasta doneness carefully; overcooked pasta turns mushy in casseroles.
Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking to set before serving.

Every time I serve this million dollar spaghetti casserole at gatherings, friends ask for seconds—and not just because they’re being polite! The laughter and compliments make cooking all worthwhile.

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for million dollar spaghetti casserole?

To prepare a delicious million dollar spaghetti casserole, gather the following ingredients: spaghetti noodles, ground beef or turkey, marinara sauce, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Make sure to have some fresh parsley or basil on hand for garnish. With these ingredients, you’ll create a creamy and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any family dinner or gathering.

How long does it take to cook million dollar spaghetti casserole?

Cooking million dollar spaghetti casserole typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish. First, you’ll need around 10-15 minutes to boil the spaghetti and prepare the meat sauce. Once you assemble the layers in your baking dish, bake it in the oven for 30-40 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. This timing ensures that each ingredient melds perfectly together for a delightful meal everyone will love.

Can I make million dollar spaghetti casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make million dollar spaghetti casserole ahead of time! Prepare the dish as per the recipe instructions but stop before baking it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply preheat your oven and bake it according to the original cooking time. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to save time.

Is million dollar spaghetti casserole suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Million dollar spaghetti casserole freezes very well. After assembling your casserole, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months without compromising its taste or texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot throughout. This dish is not only convenient but also remains delicious even after freezing!

Conclusion for million dollar spaghetti casserole :

Million dollar spaghetti casserole is a fantastic dish that combines comfort food with ease of preparation. By using simple ingredients such as pasta, meat, and creamy cheeses, you create a delightful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The ability to prepare this dish ahead of time or even freeze it adds versatility to your cooking routine. Whether served on a busy weeknight or at a festive occasion, this casserole will surely impress everyone at your table!