Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole (Baked Spaghetti) recipe

Here’s a Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole (Baked Spaghetti) recipe in detail — creamy, cheesy, meaty, and baked to golden perfection. 🍝🧀

🌿 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Pasta

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef + half Italian sausage for richer flavor)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or spaghetti sauce (or homemade)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Layer

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 egg (helps bind the mixture)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish, optional)

🥘 Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (a minute less than package directions).

3. Drain, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (6–7 minutes).

2. Drain excess fat.

3. Add onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).

4. Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

6. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

1. In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, egg, and Parmesan until smooth.

2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Layer as follows:

   • Bottom layer: Spread half the cooked spaghetti.

   • Second layer: Spread the entire creamy cheese mixture.

   • Third layer: Add remaining spaghetti.

   • Fourth layer: Spread all the meat sauce over the top.

   • Final layer: Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

3. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing (so it holds together).

6. Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

• Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad.

🍽️ Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

• Freezer Friendly: Assemble and freeze (uncooked) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or extra chili flakes to the meat sauce.

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.