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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

A slice of Million dollar spaghetti casserole with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy cheese.
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A creamy, cheesy layered spaghetti bake with a rich meat sauce and a tangy cream cheese filling. This family-friendly casserole is perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef or sausage with onion until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and egg until smooth.
  6. In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked spaghetti. Top with half of the meat sauce. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the sauce. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
  7. Repeat the layers: remaining spaghetti, remaining meat sauce, remaining cream cheese mixture, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
  • To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or a combination of meats for the ground beef or sausage.
  • For an extra cheesy casserole, add a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and Parmesan cheese.
  • This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole/