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Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake Recipe Easy Crispy Topping Delight

Creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake - featured image
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A creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole with a golden, crispy panko and Parmesan topping that delivers comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 pound ground beef, lean or regular
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water if needed.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely chopped medium onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth.
  6. Add cooked spaghetti and beef mixture to the creamy mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if mixture is too thick.
  7. Transfer pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy. Tent with foil if topping browns too fast.
  10. Let bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. For extra creaminess, fold in more sour cream before serving. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions are possible as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked spaghetti, creamy pasta bake, cheesy casserole, crispy topping, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/creamy-million-dollar-spaghetti-bake-recipe-easy-crispy-topping-delight/