If you have been on the lookout for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines the familiar flavors of spaghetti with a creamy, cheesy twist, layered with a savory meat sauce that makes every bite truly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this casserole delivers big on taste and satisfaction while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component is essential, contributing to the moist, creamy, and savory personality of this dish—from the tender spaghetti noodles to the rich blend of cheeses and flavorful sauce.
- 1 pound spaghetti: Use regular or whole wheat spaghetti, cooked al dente to provide the perfect bite and structure.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional): Adds hearty, savory protein and depth of flavor.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The base sauce that brings a vibrant tomato taste infused with herbs.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates luscious creaminess that binds the casserole together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tangy richness while lightening up the texture.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Mild and fluffy, it adds a subtle creaminess without overwhelming.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully, giving the casserole that irresistible gooey factor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Packs in salty, nutty flavor enhancing every layer.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers warm aromatic undertones effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Infuses subtle savory notes, balancing the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herbaceous touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness when serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. This ensures your noodles have the right firmness and won’t become mushy after baking. Once cooked, drain and set aside so they’re ready to layer into the casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until it is browned and fully cooked through. Remember to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Stir in the marinara sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, melding all those beautiful flavors into a robust sauce before removing it from the heat.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
While the sauce simmers, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will add a dreamy texture and balance the acidity of the marinara, making the casserole irresistibly rich and comforting.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to anchor the casserole. Next, add half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce. Dollop half of the creamy cheese mixture and spread it gently over the spaghetti. Repeat these layers once more with the remaining meat sauce, spaghetti, and creamy cheese. Layering is key to getting every forkful bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella and Parmesan
Top your assembled casserole with a generous blanket of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses will melt to a golden, bubbly finish that’s as tempting to look at as it is tasty to eat.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheeses have melted perfectly and the casserole is bubbly and inviting.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes — this helps it set so servings hold together nicely. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lively color contrast and a hint of fresh herb flavor. Then dive in and savor every comforting bite.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a perfect simple garnish that adds a fresh, vibrant green hue against the rich casserole. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese right before serving for an extra pop of savory flavor that elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
This spaghetti casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to balance its richness. Roasted garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic options that soak up any leftover sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, casual meal. For a fancier twist, plate individual portions topped with a sprig of fresh basil or roasted cherry tomatoes. Offering a side of chili flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add an exciting flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep the casserole fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making it perfect for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is freezer-friendly! Cover the assembled, unbaked casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
Warm leftover casserole slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. Covering with foil and heating at 350°F helps maintain moisture and prevents drying out. Add a few minutes extra time if reheating from frozen.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and use extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers in the sauce for a hearty vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.
What type of cheese works best?
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan strikes the perfect balance of creaminess and meltiness. You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese if needed, but the rich cream cheese is key to the luscious texture.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Gluten-free spaghetti works wonderfully here. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions for al dente texture so the casserole holds together nicely.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, simply bake it the next day – it often tastes even better as the flavors have more time to develop.
How spicy is this dish?
This casserole is mild and family-friendly as is, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage if you prefer a little kick in your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that truly feels like a celebration of comfort food done right. Simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor that everyone will love, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Give it a try, and I’m betting it’ll become a treasured favorite in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish featuring layers of al dente spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses. This hearty casserole combines ground beef or Italian sausage with marinara and multiple cheeses, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for extra protein)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat to keep the sauce from being greasy. Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat afterwards.
- Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese until smooth and evenly combined to create a creamy, rich layer.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the sauce. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture on top of the spaghetti. Repeat by layering the remaining meat sauce, remaining spaghetti, and then the rest of the cheese mixture to form layers.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled layers, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese to add a deliciously golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meat option.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use extra marinara sauce with sautéed vegetables.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce can add a nice spicy kick.
