Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and comforting dish that combines the delicious flavors of spaghetti, creamy cheese, and savory meat sauce into one hearty casserole. It’s a family favorite, and it definitely lives up to its “million-dollar” name! Here’s how to make it:

Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb spaghetti (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
   • Drain the spaghetti and set aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

2. Make the Meat Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar (optional), oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Adjust seasoning as needed.

3. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
   • Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix to combine.
   • Stir in the cooked spaghetti, making sure it’s evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread half of the cheesy spaghetti mixture in the bottom.
   • Top with half of the meat sauce.
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti mixture and then top with the remaining meat sauce.

5. Bake the Casserole:

   • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
   • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve:

   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley, if desired.

Tips:

• Meat Options: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to bake it for an extra 5-10 minutes if it’s chilled.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cover it tightly in foil and wrap it in plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is an ultimate comfort food dish with layers of gooey cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender spaghetti—perfect for a family dinner or potluck. Enjoy!