Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Looking for a decadent and comforting meal that will wow your family and friends? Look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! With layers of rich and creamy cheese, flavorful spaghetti sauce, and tender pasta, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the cream cheese mixture, half of the meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 28g
Helpful Tips:
- Add some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavor of the casserole.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
- Feel free to add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat sauce.
- For a crispy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole before baking.
- Try using different types of cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor profile.
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
- Serve the casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Expert Secrets:
- Make sure to season each layer of the casserole with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Using a quality spaghetti sauce can make a big difference in the final taste of the dish.
- To prevent the top layer of cheese from burning, cover the casserole with foil for the first half of the baking time.
- You can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for a fun twist on this classic dish.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the casserole a more intense flavor than pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Try sprinkling some dried Italian herbs like oregano or basil over the layers for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a creamier texture, you can mix some ricotta cheese into the cream cheese mixture before layering it in the casserole.