Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making a comforting family dinner.
With layers of creamy cheese, marinara sauce, and pasta, it combines the best parts of lasagna and baked spaghetti into a one-pan masterpiece.
The name “Million Dollar” refers to the indulgent richness of the dish, with a creamy, cheesy center and a savory, flavorful top.
This casserole is sure to be a hit at any dinner table!
Ingredients:
1 pound spaghetti
1 lb ground beef or sausage (optional)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: If using ground beef or sausage, cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Layer the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta, then pour the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Description:
Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole combines the richness of cheese with the savory goodness of marinara sauce and pasta. The dish is an easy-to-make, filling meal that takes just a little over an hour from start to finish. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a great twist on traditional spaghetti, bringing a creamy, cheesy layer to the forefront while keeping the familiar flavors of Italian cuisine.
Tips:
Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to adjust the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
Cheese Variations: For a cheesier version, add more shredded mozzarella or incorporate other cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and use a veggie-packed marinara sauce for a vegetarian version.
Texture: For extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Variations:
Chicken or Turkey: You can swap the ground beef or sausage with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Vegetarian: Add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
Buffalo Chicken: For a twist, use cooked, shredded buffalo chicken and mix it into the cheese mixture.
Correction:
If you find the casserole too dry, add a little extra marinara sauce or some pasta water to the cheese mixture before baking.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheese mixture.
Enjoy:
Now, serve up your cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, flavorful dish that’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!