Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a decadent and creamy pasta dish that’s packed with layers of cheesy goodness, savory beef, and tender spaghetti. This hearty casserole earns its “million-dollar” name from its indulgent ingredients, including a creamy cheese mixture and rich marinara sauce, all baked together to golden perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This casserole combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti into one delicious dish. With layers of pasta, seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and marinara sauce, every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The best part? It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and makes excellent leftovers, so it’s a great option for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making this for a busy weeknight or a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients: A Rich and Flavorful Combination
Here’s what you’ll need to make a Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
- Spaghetti: 1 pound, cooked al dente.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, or use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: 24 oz (1 jar), or homemade if preferred.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened for the creamy filling.
- Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: 1 cup, for richness.
- Sour Cream: 1/2 cup for creaminess.
- Butter: 1/4 cup, sliced, for richness in the layers.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, for added flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or beef and sausage mixture) with the diced onion and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Place slices of butter evenly over the spaghetti layer.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti, followed by half of the marinara and meat sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
- Add the remaining spaghetti on top, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Variations and Tips
- Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to mix in cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different flavors.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give the casserole a kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a filling and delicious main dish that pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side for this dish.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Conclusion: A Cheesy, Comforting Casserole
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect blend of cheesy, creamy, and savory flavors all in one dish. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese with your favorite sides for a truly indulgent meal!
