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### Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Spaghetti:**
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set it aside. Drizzle a little olive oil over the noodles to keep them from sticking.
**2. Make the Meat Sauce:**
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook the meat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
Next, stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once ready, remove from heat.
**3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese to the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
**4. Layer the Casserole:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
**5. Add the Final Cheese Layer:**
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
**6. Bake the Casserole:**
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
**7. Garnish and Serve:**
Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor, if desired. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for the perfect meal.
### Why This Recipe is a Winner:
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s cheesy, creamy, savory, and perfectly satisfying. The combination of rich meat sauce, a creamy cheese layer, and perfectly cooked spaghetti makes each bite feel indulgent and comforting.
What sets this casserole apart from traditional spaghetti is the added layer of creamy cheese mixture. The cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta create a luscious, velvety layer that makes this casserole incredibly decadent and flavorful.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal prep work and can be assembled in a single baking dish, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal, so you can prepare it earlier in the day and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
### Why You’ll Love This Dish:
– **Cheesy and Creamy:** The combination of cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella makes this casserole extra creamy and rich.
– **Flavorful:** The savory meat sauce and garlic-infused flavors complement the creamy cheese layers perfectly.
– **Feeds a Crowd:** It’s the perfect dish to serve at family gatherings or parties. It can easily feed a large group of people.
– **Easy to Make:** Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
**Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole** truly lives up to its name. It’s a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a regular family dinner, it’s a recipe that promises to deliver every time.
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