Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole – Creamy, Meaty, and Loaded with Flavor!
This rich, comforting casserole lives up to its name! It’s a heavenly blend of spaghetti, ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and a bubbly golden top that tastes like a million bucks.
Ingredients:
- 450g (1 lb) spaghetti
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 jar (about 700g) pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)
structions:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a pan, brown the ground beef. Drain fat, then stir in pasta sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta or cottage cheese until smooth.
Place half of the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Dot with butter.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top, then pour the meat sauce evenly over everything.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- Use Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Add herbs like basil or oregano if desired.
- Freezes well—just bake, cool, then wrap tightly.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
A: Mascarpone or extra ricotta will work just fine.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions.
