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Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake

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A comforting and indulgent spaghetti casserole featuring a silky cream cheese sauce, ground beef, and a melty mozzarella-cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners that feel special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
  • 2 cups marinara or favorite pasta sauce
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or 2%
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, freshly chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until onions soften and become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, tomato sauce, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Microwave cream cheese for 15 seconds if too thick before mixing.
  5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with beef mixture. Pour cream cheese sauce over and stir gently until evenly coated.
  6. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly over the top.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on edges.
  9. Let bake sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy noodles. Soften cream cheese before mixing for smooth sauce. Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent greasiness. Tent casserole with foil if cheese browns too fast. Stir pasta gently to keep noodles intact. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese and cheese substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti bake, creamy spaghetti casserole, million dollar spaghetti, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake

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