Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
If you have a craving for a comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to meal. This baked spaghetti casserole marries tender pasta with rich, creamy cheeses and a savory ground beef marinara sauce that’s baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s a satisfyingly hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it lives up to its glamorous name!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and perfectly textured without overwhelming preparation steps.
- 1 pound spaghetti: The backbone of the dish, cooked al dente to provide just the right bite.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds savory depth and hearty texture to complement the cheesy layers.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce: A rich, tangy tomato base that binds the casserole with delicious flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Lending creamy richness that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds a subtle tang and light texture while boosting protein.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings a lovely tang and smoothness to the cheese mixture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Perfectly melty and stringy cheese for that irresistible top layer.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch while enhancing the golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced: Melted through the layers, adding subtle richness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory aroma that brightens the sauce and cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs to provide authentic Italian flair.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate the entire casserole.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until it is just al dente, which means it should be tender with a slight bite to it to prevent mushiness after baking. Drain well and set aside. This simple first step lays the foundation for a perfectly textured casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Simmer the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain away any excess fat for a less greasy casserole. Stir in the marinara sauce along with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer briefly so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture provides a velvety layer between the spaghetti piles, adding moisture and tang to every forkful.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to avoid sticking. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish and top with slices of butter, which will melt during baking to enrich the dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the noodles, then add the remaining spaghetti on top in an even layer. Pour the meat sauce over everything so every bite gets that saucy goodness. Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on the surface.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and turning a beautiful golden brown. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets perfectly and flavors deepen. This final step transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a touch of color and fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the casserole. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement this meal beautifully by adding color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins or small baking dishes, personalizing each plate with unique toppings like sliced olives or sautéed mushrooms. Layering with fresh sliced tomatoes on top before baking adds a juicy, fresh element and a pop of color that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It tastes just as good reheated and can be quickly warmed in the microwave or oven for a comforting second meal.
Freezing
This casserole freezes incredibly well. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, but don’t bake it yet. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Freezing lets you prep this crowd-pleaser ahead of time for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your leftover or thawed casserole with foil to keep moisture in and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps maintain that delicious, bubbly top layer.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute can be used to customize the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe to your taste or dietary preferences.
Is it okay to use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese is a great substitute and gives a slightly creamier texture. Both cheeses work well, so it depends on your personal preference or what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bake it fresh before serving to enjoy that bubbly, golden crust.
What type of pasta sauce works best?
A good quality marinara or your favorite pasta sauce works well. Choose one with a balanced flavor — not too sweet or too acidic — for the best results in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
To lighten it up, try using lean ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cheeses, and reduce the amount of butter. Adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms also boosts nutrition without adding many calories.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is truly the ultimate comfort food that you can make anytime with wholesome ingredients and without any stress. Its luscious layers of cheese, sauce, and pasta are guaranteed to bring smiles around your dinner table. Give it a try this week — I promise it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of al dente spaghetti, rich ground beef marinara, and a creamy blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, it bakes to golden perfection, making it a hearty and crowd-pleasing main course perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later on.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: To the browned beef, add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Distribute the slices of butter over the noodles. Then spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer.
- Add Remaining Spaghetti and Sauce: Layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture. Pour the prepared meat sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred for a different texture.
- This dish freezes well — assemble it ahead of time and bake later when ready.
- For extra richness and flavor, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
