Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: A Decadent Family Favorite

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

2. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then set aside.

3. Mix the cheese layer: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Layer the casserole:

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Dot with slices of butter for added richness.
Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
Add the remaining spaghetti as a second layer.
Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.

5. Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the casserole.

6. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

Cook spaghetti al dente: This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy during baking.
Soften the cream cheese: Softened cream cheese mixes more easily with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy layer.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
Add veggies: For added nutrition, mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini with the meat sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs well with:

Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Fresh salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus make great sides.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.