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**Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Luxuriously Cheesy Comfort Food**
If you’re craving a dish that’s indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, look no further than **Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole**. This cheesy, hearty casserole combines the richness of creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti into a meal that tastes as luxurious as its name suggests.
The “million-dollar” name comes from its mouthwatering layers of cheese and flavorful ingredients that create a dish that’s worth every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in. With a melty cheese topping and tender pasta, this casserole is a comforting twist on classic spaghetti that takes everything to the next level.
### **Ingredients You’ll Need:**
– **1 pound ground beef** (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
– **1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce** (or homemade marinara sauce)
– **1/2 onion**, chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon dried basil**
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes** (optional for a little heat)
– **1 package (16 oz) spaghetti**
– **1 (8 oz) block cream cheese**, softened
– **1/2 cup sour cream**
– **2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese**
– **1 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **1 cup ricotta cheese** (optional for extra creaminess)
– **1/2 cup heavy cream** (optional, for a richer, creamier texture)
– **Fresh parsley or basil** (chopped, for garnish)
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
### **How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:**
#### **1. Cook the Spaghetti**
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside.
#### **2. Cook the Meat Sauce**
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Once the meat and onion are cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
#### **3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture**
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. If you’re using ricotta cheese, add it here as well. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, blending everything together until smooth. You can also add a splash of heavy cream if you want to make the mixture extra creamy.
#### **4. Layer the Casserole**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly along the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture. Then, spread the creamy cheese mixture over the sauce, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Repeat the layers: add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top for that gooey, golden crust.
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