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Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole - featured image

Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

  • Author: Elena
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A comforting, baked pasta dish that serves as an easy and cheaper alternative to takeout. It features rotini pasta, ground beef, a creamy marinara sauce with cream cheese, and a golden, crispy cheddar and mozzarella crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) Rotini or Penne Pasta
  • 1.5 pounds (680g) Ground Beef (80/20 ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 jars (24 oz each) Marinara Sauce
  • 8 oz (225g) Cream Cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (200g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 1.5 cups (150g) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (1 minute less than package directions), then drain. Do not rinse.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if desired, but leave some for flavor.
  4. Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in marinara sauce and add softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and the meat sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top in a thick, even layer.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Cream cheese should be softened to room temperature. This dish freezes well unbaked.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 850
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 52
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: casserole, baked spaghetti, ground beef, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner, family meals, comfort food, meal prep

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Find it online: https://plateku.com/cheesy-million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole-easy-takeout-alternative/