Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce. This hearty dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With its cheesy goodness and vibrant colors, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until al dente.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with half of the mozzarella until blended.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with meat sauce in a greased casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti mixture, spread cream cheese mixture on top, then add remaining spaghetti.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Let the casserole rest before serving to enhance flavors.