Description
Million dollar spaghetti casserole brings comfort and indulgence to family dinners. Hearty layers of pasta, ground beef, and creamy cheeses create a satisfying meal that delights diners from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (freshly grated)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (divided for use)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese (brought to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup onions (diced finely)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning (divided for use)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt (adjusted to preference for the pasta water)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coat a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into small fragments while browning thoroughly.
- Drain excess fat from the beef. Return meat to pan and blend with Italian seasoning and Marinara sauce. Mix completely and set aside.
- Cook spaghetti in salted water, reducing cooking time by 3 minutes from package instructions for al dente. Drain pasta and toss with 1 cup of Marinara sauce.
- Blend cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, and remaining Italian seasoning in a bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Layer half the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Spread cheese mixture evenly over the first pasta layer. Cover with remaining spaghetti.
- Distribute seasoned beef and Marinara sauce across the top layer. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the entire casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes until cheese turns golden brown. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to enhance color, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Perfectly undercook pasta by boiling 3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushy texture during baking.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of this hearty casserole.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option that maintains similar flavor profiles.
- Enhance dish’s nutritional value by mixing in finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the cheese layer for added vegetables without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 506 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg