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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a game-changer for dinner. Imagine layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese mixture, and rich meat sauce all baked to perfection. It's comfort food at its finest, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. This dish is so indulgent, it feels like a million bucks without breaking the bank. Let's dive in and make this mouthwatering casserole together!
Name of the recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the cream cheese mixture, then the remaining spaghetti.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need for This Dish
Read more: Million Dollar Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make million dollar spaghetti casserole
- Spaghetti: Forms the base of the casserole, providing a hearty, filling texture that holds the dish together.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein, making the casserole satisfying and delicious.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, tomatoey goodness that complements the beef and pasta perfectly.
- Cream cheese: Creates a creamy, rich layer that adds depth and smoothness to the casserole.
- Sour cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang, balancing the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, providing a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses and adds a nice crust.
Essential Tools and Instruments
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef evenly and simmering marinara sauce, ensuring rich flavor and proper meat texture.
- Mixing bowl: Needed to combine cream cheese and sour cream smoothly, creating a creamy layer for the casserole.
- Baking dish: Holds all the layers of spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce, ensuring even baking and a cohesive casserole.
- Colander: Drains cooked spaghetti efficiently, preventing excess water from making the casserole soggy.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the meat sauce and mixing ingredients without scratching cookware surfaces.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta bake that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the cream cheese mixture, then the remaining spaghetti.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top of the spaghetti layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Read more: Baked Spaghetti and Ricotta Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake it.
- Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but skip the baking step.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Using sour cream and cream cheese together in this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole creates a rich, creamy layer that helps balance the acidity of the marinara sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
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