Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

🍝 Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

🧀 Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti, cooked al dente
• 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
• 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or pasta sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

For the Topping:

• 1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti:
   Boil in salted water until just al dente. Drain, toss with butter, and set aside.
3. Make the meat sauce:
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
   Add garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and the marinara sauce. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Mix creamy cheese layer:
   In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
5. Assemble the casserole: In the prepared dish, layer in this order:
   • Bottom: Half of the buttered spaghetti
   • Middle: All of the creamy cheese mixture, spread evenly
   • Next: Remaining spaghetti
   • Top: All of the meat sauce
   • Final Topping: Mozzarella and Parmesan
6. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Cool & serve:
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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📝 Tips:

• Want it extra cheesy? Add more mozzarella between layers.
• Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed.
• Add a layer of spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.