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Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Easy Baked Cheese Delight

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A quick, creamy, and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a rich sauce and a golden baked cheese crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dry spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef, lean or regular (or ground turkey/plant-based meat)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (dairy-free alternative optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup milk, whole or 2% (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce, plain or seasoned
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup milk, and 1 cup tomato sauce. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti and beef mixture to the sauce. Stir gently to coat all noodles evenly.
  7. Fold in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese if using.
  8. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Notes

Cook spaghetti al dente to prevent mushiness after baking. Use softened cream cheese and sour cream for a smooth sauce. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasiness. Stir gently to keep noodles intact. Watch cheese crust while baking and tent with foil if browning too fast. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing. Variations include vegetarian, spicy, low-carb, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti casserole, baked spaghetti, creamy casserole, cheesy pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/creamy-million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-easy-baked-cheese-delight/