Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Title: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Spaghetti:
   • Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add Marinara Sauce and Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
6. Assemble Casserole:
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the spaghetti. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
7. Add Cheese Topping:
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Rest and Serve:
   • Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Time and Intensity:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
• Intensity: Moderate

Note: This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Adjust the seasoning and cheese amounts to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the indulgent flavors!