Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 38 reviews

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese blends, and marinara sauce. This flavorful casserole combines tender spaghetti noodles with a velvety mixture of cream cheese and ricotta, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden perfection for a hearty family-friendly meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meat & Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onions
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
  • 3 cups marinara sauce, divided

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti noodles
  • Kosher salt (for pasta water)

Cheese Mixture

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Topping

  • 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan and set it aside for assembling the casserole.
  2. Sauté aromatics and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook thoroughly until browned.
  3. Combine beef with seasoning and sauce: Drain excess fat from the beef if necessary, then return it to the skillet. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Cook spaghetti: While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 3 minutes to keep the pasta slightly under al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot. Mix in 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly to coat the noodles. Set aside.
  5. Mix cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well until smooth and fully blended.
  6. Assemble casserole layers: Spread half of the sauced spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking pan. Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti in an even layer over the cheese. Carefully spread the ground beef and sauce mixture over the top layer of spaghetti. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
  7. Bake and broil: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. For a deeper golden crust, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • To prevent mushy pasta, slightly undercook the spaghetti before assembling the casserole.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and improve the dish’s texture.
  • Feel free to substitute Italian seasoning with a mixture of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
  • Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother cheese layer.
  • If you want a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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