There’s something about a cheesy, saucy pasta bake that just warms the soul. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, indulgent dish that combines the heartiness of spaghetti with layers of creamy, savory flavors, baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect recipe to bring together the family for a delicious dinner everyone will rave about. The combination of seasoned beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy layers with gooey cheddar creates a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. This recipe brings together everything you love about Italian-American classics and elevates it to “million-dollar” status. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and makes even better leftovers!
Ingredients
- 1 lb of ground beef: Adds savory richness and protein, providing a meaty base for the casserole.
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce: Brings acidity and depth with tomatoes and herbs, tying all the flavors together.
- 8 oz of cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy layer that balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and makes the casserole irresistibly creamy.
- 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese: Provides that classic gooey, melty finish and a slightly sharp, cheesy flavor.
- 12 oz of spaghetti: The star carb of the dish; cooked al dente, it holds up well to layering and baking.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavors with a subtle hint of garlic.
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to infuse the dish with authentic Italian flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the flavors of the beef and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready for baking once your casserole is assembled.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat for a lighter dish.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: Add the jar of spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Mix Spaghetti with Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with cream cheese, ensuring each strand is coated for that creamy texture in every bite.
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cream cheese-coated spaghetti.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti layer, creating a rich, flavorful base.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy middle layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and top with the last cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt smoothly.
Finish Baking for a Golden Top: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is adored for its rich layers and creamy-cheesy goodness. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet is so easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. The cream cheese melts seamlessly into the spaghetti, creating a velvety texture, while the cheddar on top bakes into a bubbly, golden layer that completes the dish with cheesy goodness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: For best results, cook the pasta just until al dente. This prevents it from getting mushy after baking.
- Mix Cream Cheese with Warm Pasta: Combining the cream cheese with warm pasta helps it melt more evenly, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Let the Casserole Rest: Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture.
Serving Suggestions
To complement the hearty richness of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, serve it with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread for extra dipping, or a light side of roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon also pairs wonderfully to balance the meal.
In Conclusion
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a show-stopping, simple-to-make comfort dish that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. The layers of flavor and textures make it a memorable meal, while the ease of preparation ensures it’ll be one of your go-to recipes. Try it tonight, and don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for more crowd-pleasing, irresistible meals!
Enjoy the culinary magic, and be prepared for this dish to become a new family favorite!