Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and delicious dish that combines classic spaghetti with a creamy cheese filling and a hearty meat sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. The combination of savory meat, creamy cheeses, and al dente pasta makes this a truly “million-dollar” recipe. Let’s dive into this indulgent casserole!

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
2. Instructions for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
3. Tips & Notes
4. Recipe Variations & Substitutions
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Conclusion

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

For the Spaghetti and Meat Sauce:

• 16 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, sliced thin

Instructions for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
• Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare 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 6-8 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

• In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• In the prepared baking dish, add half of the cooked spaghetti and spread it out evenly.
• Top the spaghetti with the entire creamy cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
• Layer the remaining half of the spaghetti over the cheese mixture.
• Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, ensuring the entire casserole is covered.
• Arrange the sliced butter over the top of the meat sauce to help create a rich flavor while baking.

Step 5: Bake

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to help it set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Notes

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Drain Excess Fat: Draining the excess fat from the cooked meat ensures the casserole doesn’t become too greasy.
• Use Quality Marinara: A good-quality marinara sauce will enhance the flavor of the casserole. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Add Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
• Different Cheese: Replace the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese if you prefer a slightly different texture and taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and bake as directed.

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 in the oven until warmed through.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy cheese layers, hearty meat sauce, and al dente pasta—all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when comfort food is on the menu. Try this delicious recipe, and enjoy every rich, cheesy bite!

Happy cooking, and enjoy this million-dollar comfort classic!