Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines layers of cheesy goodness, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This hearty baked pasta brings together everything you love about Italian-American comfort food in one bubbling, golden casserole. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or inviting friends over for a cozy meal, this dish never fails to impress with its irresistible flavor and creamy texture. Trust me: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is about to become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a crucial role in the final taste, creating a creamy, cheesy, savory masterpiece that’s pure comfort in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:
- Spaghetti (16 ounces): Go for classic spaghetti; its texture stands up well during baking and holds all the layers together beautifully.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides hearty, savory flavor and makes this casserole a true main course.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): A rich tomato sauce brings everything together; choose your favorite store-bought or homemade variety.
- Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened): Adds that signature creaminess and ties together the cheese layer for incredible richness.
- Cottage Cheese (1 cup): Brings a gentle tang and creamy texture; substitute with ricotta if you prefer!
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Its tang balances out all the richness in the cheese mixture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection on top and throughout.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty depth to finish off the casserole with delicious flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, cubed): Dotted on top, it soaks into the spaghetti for a next-level finish.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Just a pinch brings out the best in every single layer.
- Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green makes the golden top pop and adds a hint of freshness.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Dish and Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. While the oven is warming up, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll soak up some sauce as they bake and you want them tender, not mushy. Drain them well and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Simmer the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Make sure to break it up into crumbles as it cooks for the perfect texture. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy, then stir in your marinara or pasta sauce. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to develop even more flavor.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Cheese Layer
While the sauce simmers, whip up the super creamy cheese layer. In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until the mixture is luxuriously smooth. Give it a taste and add a pinch of salt and pepper as you like. This layer is one of the secrets that makes Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole so spectacular!
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Now the fun part! Layer half of the cooked spaghetti into the bottom of your prepared baking dish and gently spread the creamy cheese mixture right over the noodles, making sure to go all the way to the edges. Top with the remaining spaghetti. Dot the top with cubes of butter—they’ll melt into the pasta for extra richness!
Step 5: Add the Meat Sauce and Cheeses
Pour the simmered meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layers, spreading it with a spatula so every bite is saucy and delicious. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses all over the top. The combination gets bubbly and golden as it bakes, making this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole impossible to resist.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole tightly with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and the whole dish is hot and bubbly. The aroma will be incredible! When it’s done, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set and makes serving so much easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
Finish off your bubbling casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and a light, herbaceous contrast. If you like, add a touch of cracked black pepper or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes right before serving. These simple garnishes don’t just make it pretty—they liven up the rich flavors, too.
Side Dishes
Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole alongside a simple green salad tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette, or pile up some garlicky breadsticks to catch every drop of the cheesy tomato sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables are also wonderful for adding balance and freshness to your meal. There’s no wrong answer; just serve what your table loves most!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings—it makes dinner feel like a celebration! Or, bring the whole bubbling dish straight to the table for a dramatic family-style presentation. If you’re sharing with a crowd, cut the casserole into neat squares and serve them on a platter for easy, elegant entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Simply let the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors just get better overnight, making it ideal for stress-free lunches or second helpings the next day.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer’s best friend! Assemble the dish ahead, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When a busy night rolls around, pop it straight into the oven from frozen—just add about 20 extra minutes to the bake time. It’s also possible to freeze baked, cooled leftovers for up to three months. Just be sure to wrap slices tightly to ward off freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (about 20–30 minutes). Single servings can also be microwaved for a quick meal—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep things moist. Either way, the cheesy layers are just as delicious the next day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother, richer texture or try using part-skim mozzarella for a lighter option. Experimenting with a sprinkle of sharp provolone or fontina adds another layer of cheesy goodness.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground “meat” or add extra sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. The casserole is just as comforting and hearty without the meat!
Can I assemble Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is made for meal prepping. Fully assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and keep in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. It’s a brilliant option for entertaining or busy weeknights.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from burning?
The secret is covering the casserole with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking—this helps melt and blend the cheeses. Removing the foil for the last 10–15 minutes turns the top beautifully golden without letting it burn.
Can I add vegetables to Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Certainly! Try adding a layer of sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to pre-cook any veggies so they don’t water down your casserole.
Final Thoughts
Give this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole a try, and chances are it’ll win a permanent spot in your comfort food line-up. It’s easy, decadent, and the kind of recipe that brings everyone running to the table. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Layers of creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together in one delightful bite.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
16 ounces spaghetti,
Ground Beef Mixture:
1 pound ground beef, 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce,
Cheese Mixture:
8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 cup cottage cheese, ½ cup sour cream, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter (cubed), salt and pepper to taste, chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with the remaining spaghetti. Place butter cubes over the top, then pour the meat sauce evenly across. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble ahead and bake straight from frozen with extra time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
