If you are looking for a hearty, cheesy, and utterly comforting dish, then look no further than the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. This crowd-pleaser brings together tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a luscious blend of creamy cheeses, baked to golden perfection. Every bite feels like a big warm hug, making it an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings where you want to impress without any fuss. The combination of textures and flavors in this casserole elevates humble ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of taste and texture in this casserole. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory ground beef to the creamy cheese blend that makes this dish irresistibly rich and inviting.
- 16 oz spaghetti: Use a good quality pasta to hold the sauce well and maintain that perfect al dente bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty backbone for the sauce, adding savory depth.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and flavor complexity.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce: Choose your favorite marinara to form the flavorful base of the meat sauce.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings creamy richness that makes this casserole decadently smooth.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Provides a light, fluffy texture and mild flavor that blends beautifully with cream cheese.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts gorgeously to create that irresistible gooey, cheesy top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it adds a sharp, savory punch and beautiful golden finish.
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes: Dotting the casserole before baking keeps the top silky and buttery.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate and round out the flavors.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the pasta and baking dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease with butter or cooking spray so the casserole doesn’t stick. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, meaning just tender with a little bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly. This step lays the foundation for the layered masterpiece you’re about to create.
Step 2: Cook the meat sauce
While the pasta cools, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and the onions soften, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its fragrant aroma. Drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce rich but not greasy. Stir in your marinara sauce and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to marry the flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the creamy cheese filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This luscious blend is what makes the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe stand out by adding an indulgent layer of richness that contrasts perfectly with the tangy meat sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the casserole
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly into the prepared baking dish. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over this first layer of pasta so every forkful has a bit of that dreamy texture. Next, add the remaining spaghetti on top, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Dot the top layer with your cubes of butter to melt throughout the baking process. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer, spreading it with a spoon or spatula.
Step 5: Add cheese and bake
Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce layer. Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and cool slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch of green that brightens the dish visually and adds a mild herbal note. You can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan if you want even more cheesy goodness. These simple garnishes make your casserole look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables balances out the richness wonderfully. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also makes an excellent side, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. With simple sides like these, your meal will cover all the bases from fresh and light to hearty and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole family-style right from the baking dish for a comforting, homey vibe. Alternatively, scoop servings onto individual plates and garnish with a sprig of parsley or basil. If you want to add some flair, drizzle a little extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping or sprinkle a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for guests who like a bit of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes well. Assemble the dish completely but don’t bake it; cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through or pop the whole casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15 to 20 minutes. To bring back some crispiness, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to make the dish lighter. Just be mindful that the flavor will be milder, so considering extra seasoning can help keep the richness.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a popular and tasty alternative to ricotta. If you use cottage cheese, blend it slightly to smoothen the texture before mixing with the cream cheese and sour cream.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out regular spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any gluten-derived thickeners, and you’re good to go.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onion and beef before adding the sauce.
How spicy is this casserole?
The base recipe is not spicy, making it family-friendly and kid-approved. However, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce if you prefer some heat.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that consistently brings smiles and satisfied bellies every time it’s served. It’s easy to prepare, full of comforting flavors, and effortlessly impressive. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is bound to become one of your all-time favorites. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s truly worth a million dollars!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish combining tender spaghetti, flavorful ground beef marinara, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a perfect family-friendly main course for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz spaghetti
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Toppings & Seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 7-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Cheese Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Place half of the cooked spaghetti evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti. Dot the top evenly with the butter cubes. Pour the meat sauce over the top spaghetti layer, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over all.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a lighter texture.
- This casserole freezes well—assemble completely, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, bake from frozen or thawed, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce if you like a bit of heat in your casserole.
