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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection.
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Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet (for meat sauce)
  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Spatula or spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Spaghetti:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 2 tbsp butter to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare the Meat Sauce:
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix the Creamy Layer:
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  • Assemble the Casserole:
  • Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Top with half of the meat sauce.
  • Layer the remaining spaghetti over the sauce, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
  • Sprinkle the top with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Bake the Casserole:
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Serve:
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
Custom Add-Ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.