Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Layer:

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), and sour cream until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the dish.
4. Layer with the creamy cheese mixture.
5. Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
6. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
7. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle melted butter on top.

5. Bake & Serve:

1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your rich, cheesy, and delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!