The Irresistible Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Whipping up a million dollar spaghetti casserole promises pure culinary magic for hungry souls seeking comfort.

Pasta lovers will adore this decadent dish that combines hearty ingredients with creamy textures.

Layers of rich flavors meld together, creating a spectacular meal that feels luxurious yet simple.

Cheese lovers appreciate how each bite delivers incredible satisfaction without complicated preparation.

Weeknight dinners transform into special occasions when this casserole emerges from the oven.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delicious than this incredible baked masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes This Spaghetti Casserole a Family Favorite

• Packed with layers of cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce, this casserole satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its irresistible flavor combination.
• Minimal chopping and simple layering make this dish perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Great for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this spaghetti casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and can feed a hungry crowd effortlessly.
• Easily adaptable with different cheeses, meats, or seasonings, allowing home cooks to put their personal spin on this classic comfort food recipe.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: Classic pasta for creating a hearty casserole foundation.

• Ground Beef: Flavorful meat that provides rich protein.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that adds depth and moisture.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance meat's flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Spices that boost overall taste.

• Cream Cheese, Ricotta, Sour Cream: Creamy components that create a smooth, rich layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds tangy flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that provides golden, stretchy topping.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking ground beef.
• Garlic Powder: Additional seasoning for extra depth.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

How to Bake a Hearty Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for our delicious casserole masterpiece.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil spaghetti in salted water, cooking until it’s just shy of being fully done.

Drain and set aside, letting it rest for its cheesy destiny.

Step 3: Brown the Meaty Base

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until the beef transforms into a gorgeous golden brown.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Stir in marinara sauce and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Let the sauce simmer and mingle for about 10 minutes, developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Ricotta
• Sour cream
• Parmesan
• Garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

Whisk until smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Layer the First Pasta Level

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom, creating the first delicious foundation.

Step 7: Spread Cheese Heaven

Generously spread the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta layer, ensuring every inch gets covered in cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Add Final Pasta and Meat Layer

Top with remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce evenly over the top, creating a gorgeous two-layer masterpiece.

Step 9: Cheese Topping Finale

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the surface.

Feel free to add extra Parmesan or herbs for an extra flavor kick.

Step 10: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and making it easier to serve up this comfort food dream.

Tips for Creamy Layers and a Crispy Top

• Slightly undercook spaghetti before baking to avoid mushy texture, as it will continue cooking in the casserole.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and even distribution throughout the dish.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Create distinct cheese and meat layers for better taste separation and more appealing presentation when serving.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top after baking to add brightness and fresh aromatic notes.

How to Store and Reheat Spaghetti Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to restore crispy top layer.

Great Pairings for This Comfort Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich meat sauce and creamy cheese layers, enhancing the casserole's deep flavors.
• Create Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan to provide a fresh, light contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Serve Garlic Bread Alongside: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious meat sauce and add a crunchy texture that perfectly matches the creamy casserole.
• Recommend Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the dish's richness and providing a refreshing complement.

Flavor Add-Ins for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use vegetable marinara sauce and maintain the creamy cheese layer.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh spinach to the cheese mixture. Use ground lamb instead of beef and incorporate oregano and fresh herbs.

FAQs

• Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole a budget-friendly meal?

Yes, it uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, spaghetti, and basic pantry cheese, making it an economical dish that feeds a large family without breaking the bank.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?

Drain excess fat from the meat thoroughly and ensure your cheese mixture isn’t too runny. Using full-fat cream cheese helps create a thicker, more stable layer that prevents excess liquid.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake when ready. It also reheats well, making it perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Million dollar spaghetti casserole brings comfort and luxury to family dinners with its rich layers of pasta, creamy cheeses, and hearty meat sauce. Cheese lovers will savor each indulgent bite of this classic American comfort dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb cottage cheese

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Topping and Cheese:

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salted water (for cooking pasta)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a perfectly warm environment for baking.
2. Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until it reaches near-perfect tenderness, then carefully drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, warm olive oil and introduce ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the meat transforms into a rich, brown color, then eliminate excess fat.
4. Infuse the meat with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop deep flavors for 10 minutes.
5. Create a luxurious cheese blend by combining cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, and a delicate touch of salt in a mixing bowl.
6. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with a light coating of grease, then distribute half of the prepared spaghetti across the bottom.
7. Generously spread the creamy cheese mixture over the initial pasta layer, ensuring even coverage.
8. Complete the layering by adding the remaining spaghetti, then lavishly top with the seasoned meat sauce.
9. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese across the surface, optionally enhancing with additional Parmesan or fragrant herbs.
10. Shield the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top achieves a golden, bubbling perfection.
11. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

Notes

• Achieve perfect pasta texture by cooking spaghetti just shy of al dente, as it continues cooking in the oven, preventing mushy results.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to keep the casserole from becoming greasy and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting ground beef with turkey, plant-based meat alternatives, or extra vegetables for a lighter version.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating until ready to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg