Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta casserole that combines al dente spaghetti with a savory meat sauce and a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and serves 8 to 8 people with layers of flavorful meat and cheese baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Meat
- 1 lb spaghetti (cooked to package instructions for al dente)
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground mild Italian sausage
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
Cheese Mixture & Toppings
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and ground Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes, which enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- Season and Add Sauce: Season the meat mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and reduce heat to low, letting it simmer gently while you prepare the cheese mixture.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese until smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture adds richness to the casserole.
- Assemble Layers: In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer for a melty, golden crust.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This step helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Million Dollar Spaghetti!
Notes
- For best results, cook the spaghetti just to al dente texture as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Using softened cream cheese makes it easier to blend smoothly with the sour cream and ricotta.
- Feel free to substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy sausage if you prefer a little heat.
- You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture ahead of time and assemble just before baking for convenience.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up so it slices nicely.