Table of Contents

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Introduction

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the recipe you need. This dish combines creamy, cheesy layers with a rich and savory meat sauce, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. It’s indulgent, filling, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility—you can make it ahead, freeze it for later, or customize it with different meats, cheeses, and even vegetarian substitutions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

For the Pasta Layer

1 lb spaghetti
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture

1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Directions – Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and toss with butter to prevent sticking, then set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:

Ricotta cheese
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Half of the shredded mozzarella
Parmesan cheese

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the spaghetti evenly on the bottom.
Spread all of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti, covering completely.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add extra Parmesan if desired for extra crispiness.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Cooking Notes– Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator covered with foil, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like mushrooms and zucchini.
Cheese Variations: Mix in provolone, cheddar, or fontina for extra richness.

Variations

1. Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Swap the spaghetti for ziti or penne to create a hearty baked ziti casserole with the same creamy layers.

2. Spicy Million Dollar Spaghetti

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce.

3. Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti

Replace the meat sauce with sautéed veggies like spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms, or use a simple tomato basil sauce.

4. Gluten-Free Million Dollar Spaghetti

Use gluten-free spaghetti and check marinara sauce labels to ensure there are no gluten-containing additives.

Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments

For a keto-friendly version, replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Use a sugar-free marinara sauce and low-carb cheeses to keep the dish satisfying without breaking your diet.

FAQs – Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

1. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

3. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese works well and provides a slightly lighter texture.

4. Can I make this without cream cheese?

Yes! Simply replace cream cheese with additional ricotta or cottage cheese for a lighter version.

Tips & Tricks

Cook spaghetti slightly underdone since it will continue cooking in the oven.
For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Tools Used

9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil

Directions – Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is truly a dish that lives up to its name. With layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a recipe designed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply cooking for your family, this casserole will be the star of the table.

Best of all, it’s customizable—make it spicy, vegetarian, or even keto-friendly. Prepare it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or serve it fresh out of the oven. No matter how you make it, this dish is sure to become a beloved family favorite.

Serve this once, and you’ll understand why it’s called Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole—it’s worth every bite!

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TINSUF RECIPES

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

A creamy, cheesy, and hearty baked spaghetti dish layered with rich meat sauce and a luscious cheese mixture. Perfect for family dinners, parties, and meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 lb spaghetti
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley optional

Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
Aluminum foil

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook spaghetti until al dente, toss with butter, and set aside.
In a skillet, cook ground beef. Add onion and garlic, then marinara sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Mix ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, and half the mozzarella in a bowl.
Grease baking dish. Layer half the spaghetti, all the cheese mixture, remaining spaghetti, and top with meat sauce.
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.
Cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.