If you re a fan of hearty, comforting casseroles, then this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this dish layers creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender spaghetti into one baked masterpiece that s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. There s just something so satisfying about a casserole that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd with minimal fuss.
When I first tried this recipe, what really stood out was the creamy cheese layer that adds a rich, velvety texture without overpowering the classic spaghetti flavors. You ll find that it s a dish that everyone-kids included-raves about, and it s incredibly forgiving if you need to make it ahead or customize it with whatever cheeses and meats you have on hand. Trust me, once you make this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, you ll want to keep it in your monthly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese adds a luscious layer that elevates classic spaghetti.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields a generous casserole that s ideal for family dinners or potlucks, making meal prep easy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance or freeze it to have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is key to getting that perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. Fresh, quality components really shine through here, especially the cheese and meats.
- Spaghetti noodles: Regular spaghetti works best here to give that classic texture and mouthfeel.
- Ground beef: Adds heartiness and rich flavor to the meat sauce layer.
- Ground Italian sausage or pork sausage: I like the spicy kick Italian sausage provides, but mild works too if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and bringing out all the flavors.
- Small onion: Adds a little sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meats.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brightens the sauce with aromatic notes.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade marinara for saucy goodness throughout.
- Butter: Tossed with the hot noodles, it prevents sticking and adds richness.
- Cream cheese: Softened for the creamy cheese layer that s a game-changer in this casserole.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness to the cheese mixture.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese: Either works great; it lightens the cream cheese and keeps the layer fluffy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty, stretchy top layer.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory finish.
Variations
I love that the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is super versatile-feel free to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I often switch up the meats or cheeses depending on what s in my fridge.
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat entirely or swap it for plant-based meat alternatives; it s just as delicious that way!
- Sausage swap: I usually use both ground beef and Italian sausage, but if you re short on time or ingredients, just one works perfectly.
- Different pasta: While spaghetti is classic here, I ve tried penne or rotini with great results-just cook them al dente.
- Cheese mix-ups: Sometimes I add a little sharp cheddar to the mozzarella for extra punch, and my family totally loves it.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Season the Meat Sauce
Start by browning your ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. I like to crumble the meat small so it mixes evenly throughout the casserole. Season with salt and pepper for simple seasoning, then drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too oily. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent-that s when the flavor base really blooms. Finally, stir in most of the marinara sauce, reserving about half a cup to mix with the noodles later.
Step 2: Prepare the Spaghetti Noodles
Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions just until al dente. Don t overcook here! The al dente texture is important because the noodles will finish cooking in the oven, and you want them to keep a little bite. After draining, toss the hot noodles with butter and the reserved marinara sauce. This step keeps the noodles from sticking and adds a subtle flavor layer that ties everything together.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese or ricotta until smooth and well combined. This trio creates the signature creamy layer that makes this spaghetti casserole stand out from your typical baked pasta dish. I usually use a whisk or electric mixer to get it silky, and every time it surprises me just how much it elevates the whole meal.
Step 4: Layer Your Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of your spaghetti noodles on the bottom. Next, smooth the cream cheese mixture over that in an even layer. Add the remaining noodles on top, then pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over everything. Finally, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy, golden top. Seeing all those layers coming together always gets me excited about the feast ahead.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. I recommend checking around the 20-minute mark-if the cheese starts browning too fast, just cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes to set up so it slices neatly. This waiting time is worth the patience!
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Don t Overcook the Pasta: I learned the hard way to undercook or cook spaghetti just al dente; it holds up better in the bake.
- Use Room Temperature Cheeses: Softening cream cheese ahead of time blends your cheese layer smoothly without lumps.
- Save Marinara Sauce for the Noodles: A little sauce tossed with pasta prevents clumping and adds flavor in each bite.
- Let Casserole Rest Before Cutting: Waiting ensures cleaner slices and a better-looking presentation.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. Sometimes I also add a little extra grated Parmesan at the table for those who love a cheesier bite. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes is also a nice touch if your crowd likes a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread. A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For vegetable sides, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli complement the flavors well without too much fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve served this casserole in individual ramekins to make it feel a bit more elegant and personal. Sometimes I jazz it up by layering in sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach in the cheese layer. Using colorful pasta shapes when possible can also make the dish more fun for kids or themed dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole holds up great in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. When reheating, I usually pop individual portions into the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven to bring back that just-baked flavor.
Freezing
I ve had great success freezing this casserole after assembly but before baking. Just cover it well with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered to keep moisture in, then uncover toward the end to brown the cheese nicely. It s a real time saver when you want a homemade meal ready on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I find the oven works best to keep the texture and avoid sogginess-cover it with foil and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then uncover for a few minutes to refresh that bubbly cheese topping. If you re in a rush, the microwave works too but sometimes the pasta can dry out or get a little chewy.
FAQs
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Can I make the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it covered in the refrigerator for one day before baking. This makes dinner prep much easier when you re short on time.
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What if I don t have ground Italian sausage?
If you don t have Italian sausage, ground pork or even extra ground beef works fine. The seasoning in Italian sausage adds nice flavor, but you can add a pinch of fennel seed or Italian seasoning to mimic it.
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While the recipe calls for cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese or ricotta, you can experiment with mascarpone, mozzarella blends, or even shredded cheddar for a twist. Just keep the creamy balance so the dish doesn t get too dry.
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Is the recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking for best results or bake from frozen but expect a longer cooking time.
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What s the best way to reheat leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Reheating in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, keeps the casserole moist and bubbly. Uncover in the last few minutes to refresh the cheesy top. Microwave reheating is quicker but can dry out the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it takes simple, everyday ingredients and turns them into something truly comforting and indulgent. It s perfect for those nights when you want a hearty meal without complicated steps, and I know it ll become one of those dishes you reach for again and again. Give it a try-you ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a family favorite just like it did in mine!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, layered casserole combining al dente spaghetti noodles with a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and bubbling mozzarella and parmesan cheeses baked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, delivering hearty flavors with a luscious creamy texture.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to get ready for baking the casserole.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage. Season with salt and pepper. Remove most of the grease. Then add chopped onions and minced garlic and cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce and set this meat sauce mixture aside.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the noodles, place them hot in a large mixing bowl, and toss with butter and the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce until well combined.
- Make Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour half of the spaghetti noodles into a 9×13 inch baking pan, spread the cheese layer evenly over the noodles, then top with the remaining noodles. Pour the meat sauce on top and smooth it into an even layer. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Check at around 20 minutes and tent with foil if cheese is browning too quickly. Allow the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving to let it set.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to assembly step a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator 1-2 days before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit meat or substitute with plant-based meat alternatives.
- Meat Variations: Use either ground beef or Italian sausage alone, or both for richer flavor.
- Pasta Options: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other pasta shapes you prefer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/15th of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 605mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
