Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti in one hearty meal. It’s made with layers of creamy cheese filling, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta, all topped with melty cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner. It’s simple to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Cheese Filling
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish and pasta)
Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Spread half of the spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the entire creamy cheese filling mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining spaghetti.
Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, making sure it’s spread evenly.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook Notes
- Pasta Tip: Make sure the spaghetti is cooked al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven.
- Meat Options: You can use all ground beef or all Italian sausage if you prefer. The combination of the two adds extra flavor.
- Cheese Filling: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to make mixing easier and to avoid lumps.
Variations
1. Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti
Omit the meat and add 1 1/2 cups of chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms) to the sauce for a vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti
Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
3. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free spaghetti and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free for a gluten-free casserole.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
- Vegetables: Add a side of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble it but do not bake, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that make it a standout comfort food dish. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Try this recipe for a hearty, satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Did you make this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let us know how it turned out!
