Introduction
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, layered pasta bake that tastes like a cross between lasagna and baked spaghetti. With rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and plenty of melted cheese on top, it’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for gatherings. Its name comes from the indulgent, layered flavors that make it feel like a million-dollar meal!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 lb spaghetti noodles
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt (for pasta water)
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Topping:
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook spaghetti: Bring salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente, then drain and toss with olive oil. Set aside.
Make meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
Prepare creamy mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and 1 cup mozzarella until smooth.
Assemble casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread half the cooked spaghetti across the bottom.
Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles.
Add half the meat sauce.
Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, creamy mixture, and meat sauce.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Description
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Layers of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheeses melt together into a rich, satisfying dish. The golden, cheesy topping gives it a beautiful finish, while the cream cheese layer adds a luxurious surprise that sets it apart from classic baked spaghetti.
Tips and Variations
Make ahead: Assemble casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Freezer-friendly: Assemble but don’t bake; wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Meat swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian crumbles for a lighter version.
Veggie boost: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for heat.
Cheese lovers: Mix in provolone or fontina for a cheesier punch.
Correction
Some recipes bake the spaghetti uncovered the entire time, which can cause the top layer to dry out. Covering with foil first keeps it moist, and removing it later allows the cheese to brown perfectly.
Enjoy
Serve this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, and maybe a glass of red wine. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that lives up to its “million-dollar” name!