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Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy spaghetti casserole with a blend of cheeses and ground beef, perfect for comforting family dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef, lean or regular (or substitute with ground turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 2 cups (about 200 grams) sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup (100 grams) breadcrumbs, plain or panko
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces (225 grams) softened cream cheese, 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream, 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar, ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan, 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooked spaghetti and beef mixture into the bowl with the creamy sauce. Gently toss everything together until pasta is thoroughly coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
  7. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small pan and mix with 1 cup (100 grams) breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for a golden, crunchy finish.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  9. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcook spaghetti; aim for al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. If sauce is too thick before baking, add reserved pasta water to loosen. Butter in breadcrumb topping helps achieve a golden, crunchy crust. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For vegetarian, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti casserole, creamy pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/creamy-million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food/