🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
Pasta Layer
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 tbsp butter
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Creamy “Million Dollar” Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Cheese Topping
- 2–3 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta
Boil spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss with butter. Set aside.
2️⃣ Make the meat sauce
Brown beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
3️⃣ Mix the creamy layer
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), and sour cream until smooth.
4️⃣ Assemble (9×13-inch baking dish)
- Spread half the spaghetti on the bottom.
- Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over pasta.
- Add remaining spaghetti.
- Pour meat sauce over top.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5️⃣ Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let sit 10–15 minutes before slicing for clean layers.
✨ Tips for the Best Casserole
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Mix some mozzarella into the creamy layer for extra cheesiness.
- Make ahead: assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
🥗 What to Serve With It
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed broccoli