Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

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Picture this: twirly spaghetti baked with a luscious, creamy cheese filling, layered with robust beefy marinara and crowned with bubbly, melty cheese. That’s the magic of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole—a dish that tastes like a celebration and turns an everyday dinner into something everyone will rave about. From weeknight cravings to potluck heroics, this casserole always delivers with its irresistible mix of flavors and textures. Get ready to add your new favorite comfort food to your repertoire!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every bite of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole stands out thanks to its all-star list of ingredients. Each element here plays a crucial role in creating those rich, gooey layers and finishes the dish with golden, cheesy perfection. Grab your favorites, and let’s make this meal unforgettable!

Spaghetti: Toothsome pasta is the hearty base—cook it just until al dente for the best bite.
Ground beef: Adds meaty depth and a little extra richness—lean varieties work great here.
Marinara or spaghetti sauce: Pick a flavorful, quality sauce for that herby tomato backbone!
Cream cheese: Softens into the filling for that signature, ultra-creamy texture.
Ricotta cheese: Adds fluffy richness—you can sub cottage cheese if you like.
Sour cream: Don’t skip this; it gives the filling extra tang and silkiness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into those dreamy cheesy layers and gives that classic Italian pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Bakes up golden and nutty on top—real Parmesan makes a difference.
Butter: Dotted on top, it adds shine, flavor, and helps crisp the cheesy crust.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth to the sauce and overall dish.
Italian seasoning: Adds that classic, herby aroma and ties the whole casserole together.
Salt and pepper: Adjust to taste—these bring every other flavor to life.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in your spaghetti. Cook it until it’s just al dente—no mushy noodles here! Drain well and set aside while you prep the rest. Those slightly firm noodles will soak up the sauce later for ultimate flavor.

Step 2: Make the Savory Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as you go. Once it’s fully cooked, drain excess fat and stir in your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this all simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld—it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing!

Step 3: Stir Up the Creamy Cheese Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and blend together the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of your shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mix becomes smooth and spreadable—this is your secret weapon for that “million dollar” richness.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half the spaghetti in the bottom. Next, spoon the entire cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly. Top with the rest of your spaghetti, and then pour the warm meat sauce over everything so it covers to the edges.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Butter

Sprinkle the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese. Dot the top with butter pieces. This little step makes the top gorgeously golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes so it heats through. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, watching for that irresistible bubbling and a bit of golden-brown on top.

Step 7: Rest and Slice

Let your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes for neater, more beautiful servings (plus, it gives you a moment to anticipate that first cheesy bite!).

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Garnishes

For a bright finish, sprinkle your baked casserole with freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving. A little extra grated Parmesan or a dash of cracked black pepper also adds visual pop and an extra boost of flavor.

Side Dishes

The best companions for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole are simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop. Roasted veggies make a perfect colorful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, scoop individual portions into mini ramekins for a plated dinner vibe, or serve straight from the bubbly baking dish for cozy, family-style fun. It also makes a great filling for bell peppers or as the star of a pasta bar party—just let everyone top their own slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, making lunch or dinner a breeze the next day (and let’s be honest, the flavors are even better after they mingle overnight!).

Freezing

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for cheesy, comforting goodness, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered loosely with foil, until piping hot—give it about 20 minutes (longer from chilled). Individual servings can be warmed in the microwave, though the oven keeps those cheesy edges just right.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While classic spaghetti is traditional (and fun to twirl), feel free to use other long noodles like linguine or even tubular pasta like penne for a different texture. It’ll still give you those dreamy layers and cheesy pulls.

Is cottage cheese a good substitute for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works really well in this recipe. It’s a bit lighter and slightly tangy, but results in the same creamy, dreamy middle layer for your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Just make sure to drain it well for the best consistency.

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat crumble or add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, giving you all the comfort—meat-free.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain both your cooked spaghetti and browned beef thoroughly before using. Also, let the casserole rest after baking. This gives the layers time to set, and any excess moisture will absorb back into those tasty noodles and cheese.

Can this be assembled ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake as instructed when you’re ready. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, soul-warming meal, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the golden ticket! With its creamy layers, bubbly cheese, and savory sauce, it’s impossible not to fall in love—so gather your family or friends and dig in. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming about the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any).

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a rich and comforting baked pasta dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

1 pound spaghetti

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Mixture:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Additional:

2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.

Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat, then add marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine the cheeses in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Layer half of the spaghetti in a greased baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over it. Add the remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce over everything.
Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest before serving.