This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family meal. With layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella, this casserole tastes like a million bucks and is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It’s easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Casserole
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Toss with the small pieces of butter until the butter is melted and the spaghetti is coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Cheese Mixture: The combination of ricotta, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a creamy, rich texture. You can substitute any of these with more of your favorite cheese if desired.
- Italian Sausage: Using Italian sausage adds extra flavor, but you can use all ground beef if you prefer.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when ready, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with a combination of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Use spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of pasta to make a low-carb version of this dish.
- Extra Cheesy: Add an extra layer of cheese between the spaghetti and meat sauce for an even cheesier casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze the 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.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
3. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente before assembling the casserole.
4. What Can I Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese mixture make it a family favorite that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of comfort that truly tastes like a million bucks!
