Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Prepare Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Cheese Filling:
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• For the Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and mozzarella cheese.
5. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, followed by the cream cheese mixture, and then the meat sauce.
6. Repeat the layers and top with cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cook Notes

• Ensure the spaghetti is not overcooked as it will cook further in the oven.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with a mix of vegetables or a meat substitute.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free spaghetti.

Keto Version

Replace spaghetti with a keto-friendly pasta alternative like zucchini noodles. Use sugar-free marinara sauce and low-carb dairy products.

Low-Carb Version

Opt for a low-carb pasta alternative and use sugar-free marinara sauce. Reduce the amount of cheese if needed.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 550 kcal
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g (For low-carb and keto versions, this will be lower)
• Fat: 30 g (This may vary in the keto version)
• Sodium: 800 mg (This can vary based on the marinara sauce and cheeses used)
• Fiber: 3 g (For low-carb and keto versions, this will be higher)
• Sugar: 5 g (This will be lower in the keto and low-carb versions)

Note: The nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a sumptuous and satisfying dish that’s perfect for when you want something a little more special than your average pasta dinner. Its rich, creamy layers and hearty meat sauce make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!