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**Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Deliciously Cheesy Comfort Food**
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to satisfy your family and friends, look no further than **Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole**. This recipe takes the classic spaghetti dish and elevates it with layers of creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and seasoned ground beef. The result? A rich, hearty casserole that’s loaded with flavor and sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a large family, hosting a gathering, or craving a simple, satisfying meal, this dish delivers on taste and ease.
### What is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a cheesy, baked pasta dish that combines the best elements of spaghetti and lasagna. It’s made with layers of cooked spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and seasoned ground beef, all baked to perfection in a casserole dish. The “million dollar” name comes from the creamy, cheesy filling that makes this dish extra indulgent and flavorful—almost like you’re enjoying a luxurious, comforting meal that feels like it’s worth a million bucks!
### Ingredients You’ll Need:
This dish is simple to make and requires only a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– **Spaghetti**: The base of the casserole. Regular spaghetti works best, but you can also use other types of pasta if you prefer.
– **Ground beef**: Lean ground beef is commonly used, but you can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
– **Marinara sauce**: A good-quality marinara sauce will give the dish its rich, tomato flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own.
– **Cream cheese**: This is the secret to making the casserole creamy and rich. It gives the dish its signature smooth texture.
– **Sour cream**: Another ingredient that adds creaminess and tang to the casserole.
– **Mozzarella cheese**: For that gooey, melty cheese layer that makes the casserole so indulgent.
– **Parmesan cheese**: Adds a bit of sharp, salty flavor that balances the creaminess of the dish.
– **Garlic powder**: To enhance the flavor and add a savory kick to the ground beef mixture.
– **Onion powder**: Adds depth and sweetness to the ground beef.
– **Salt and pepper**: To season the casserole to taste.
– **Olive oil**: For sautéing the ground beef.
– **Parsley (optional)**: For garnish and a pop of color when serving.
### How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
**Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti**
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water for extra flavor. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and set it aside. It’s important to leave the pasta slightly al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
**Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef**
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
**Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer**
While the ground beef is cooking, mix together the creamy cheese filling. In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This cheesy layer is what gives the casserole its signature creamy texture.
**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Start by layering half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the baking dish. Then, spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Next, add half of the cooked ground beef and top with a layer of marinara sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, ground beef, and marinara sauce.
**Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping**
Once all the layers are assembled, top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully as the casserole bakes, creating a gooey, golden topping.
**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Slice into squares and serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
### Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
1. **Add extra flavor with seasonings**: If you like a little heat, feel free to add some red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil can also elevate the flavor.
2. **Use high-quality marinara sauce**: The sauce is one of the main components of this dish, so using a flavorful, well-made marinara will make a big difference in taste.
3. **Make it ahead**: This casserole can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply cover it with foil and bake it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
4. **Vegetarian version**: For a vegetarian version of this casserole, you can replace the ground beef with a variety of veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Add a bit of Italian seasoning to the vegetable mixture for extra flavor.
5. **Freezing option**: You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
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