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Cozy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with Meat Sauce

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A comforting and easy baked spaghetti casserole layered with a rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces jarred marinara or tomato sauce
  • 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened or ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook until just al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-12 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in softened cream cheese or heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and silky.
  6. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce in the skillet and toss gently until well coated. Remove from heat.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  8. Pour half of the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and half of the Parmesan evenly over the pasta.
  9. Add the remaining spaghetti mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook spaghetti as it will bake further in the oven. Drizzle a tablespoon or two of water or broth on top before baking if casserole looks dry. Cover loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent over-browning. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor. Leftovers store well refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, casserole, meat sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/cozy-baked-million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole-recipe-easy-and-delicious-meat-sauce-meal/