Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake (Print View)

Creamy layered spaghetti casserole with meat sauce, cheese blend, and golden cheesy topping for ultimate comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound spaghetti

→ Meat Sauce

02 - 1 pound ground beef
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 24 ounces marinara sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese Mixture

09 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
11 - 1/2 cup sour cream
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 large egg

→ Topping

14 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in marinara sauce and add dried Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
05 - In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, and egg. Stir until mixture is smooth and cohesive.
06 - Spread half the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer with half the cheese mixture, followed by half the meat sauce.
07 - Repeat layering with remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce, finishing with meat sauce on top.
08 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over assembled layers. Cover baking dish tightly with foil.
09 - Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
10 - Allow baked casserole to rest uncovered for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Uses easy everyday ingredients usually found in a well-stocked kitchen
  • Makes a generous family-style casserole perfect for gatherings or leftovers
  • Delivers crowd-pleasing comfort with creamy cheese and rich meat sauce
  • Easy prep with simple layering and a make-ahead option for busy weeknights
  • You get all the creamy goodness of lasagna with the speed of a baked pasta
02 -
  • High protein meal that satisfies even big appetites
  • Great for make-ahead and perfect as leftovers
  • Customizable with different meats or extra veggies
03 -
  • For the creamiest texture always bring the cheese ingredients to room temperature before mixing
  • Always let the casserole rest before slicing so it holds together and the cheese sets perfectly
  • Toast the Italian seasoning in the pan for a minute before adding the sauce for extra depth—I learned this trick and it never fails to boost the flavor

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