Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz spaghetti; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter (cubed); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

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If you’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly comfort food, look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe. Imagine delicate layers of pasta, a creamy cheese filling, savory beef sauce, and loads of bubbly melted cheese mingling together in one glorious, golden-baked dish. This casserole is legendary at potlucks and weeknight dinners alike — it’s hearty, indulgent, and unbelievably easy to put together. You’ll be going back for seconds and thirds before you know it.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is its simplicity! Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing a little something special to the finished dish — from richness and creaminess to that savory, gooey cheese pull we all love.

Spaghetti (16 oz): Classic pasta shape that holds up to layering and absorbs all those incredible flavors.
Ground beef (1 pound): Brings heartiness and richness — the key to building a satisfying meat sauce.
Small onion, diced: Provides subtle sweetness to balance the savory beef and sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and irresistible flavor.
Marinara or spaghetti sauce (24 oz): Forms the saucy backbone for everything to come together.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Makes the cheese layer luxurious and tangy.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Offers creaminess and a gentle tang for the filling.
Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers that classic Italian creaminess — or swap with cottage cheese if you prefer!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into a bubbly, stretchy layer on top.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Gives a nutty, salty pop that finishes the casserole perfectly.
Butter (2 tablespoons, cut into small cubes): Dotting the noodles adds a touch of richness and keeps them from sticking.
Salt and pepper to taste: Because every good dish deserves balanced seasoning.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with color and freshness.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray, so nothing sticks later and clean-up is a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the spaghetti and cook until just al dente — you want it firm enough to hold its shape after baking, about 8–9 minutes. Drain well, then set aside while you work on the other layers.

Step 3: Make the Savory Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and onion is soft, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute, letting the aroma bloom. Drain any excess fat, then pour in your favorite marina or spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to let those flavors mingle.

Step 4: Mix Up the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta. Whip or stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and absolutely luscious. This layer gives the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe its signature richness!

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Now comes the fun part. Lay half the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Smooth the cream cheese mixture over those noodles in an even layer. Add the rest of the spaghetti on top, then dot the whole surface with butter cubes. Pour that savory meat sauce all over the top and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Finish with generous handfuls of shredded mozzarella and a good sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven. This allows everything to set up just enough for perfect slices!

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley wakes up the final dish with a burst of color and a hint of herby flavor. For a touch of extra elegance, you can also grate a bit more Parmesan or add some cracked black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a simple crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or serve with roasted vegetables for balance. Don’t forget fluffy garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up any cheesy, saucy goodness left on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to wow your guests, try baking the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personal-sized touch. Or, portion it into a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, crowd-pleasing centerpiece at the table. A stylish casserole server will also make your dish the star of any potluck or family dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the leftover casserole tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep happily for up to 4 days. It’s the lunchbox hero we all need!

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer superstar. Simply assemble the casserole fully, but skip the baking. Wrap it tightly in a couple layers of foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed (add an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time).

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, about 20–25 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved for a quick, comforting meal anytime.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic in a Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe, feel free to substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a fun twist. Just cook the pasta until al dente, as with the original recipe.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

Yes! Cottage cheese works beautifully and blends just as nicely with the cream cheese and sour cream for that creamy middle layer. Some even prefer the slightly tangier flavor of cottage cheese.

How can I make this casserole spicy?

If you love a bit of heat, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering. You can also serve with hot sauce or chili flakes at the table for extra zing.

Can I prepare the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a ready-to-go meal in the evening.

What’s the best way to get neat slices?

Letting the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it much easier to slice into clean, tempting portions. A sharp knife (and a steady hand) does the trick!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe yet, now’s your chance to discover why it’s a beloved classic. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or just treating yourself, every gooey, cheesy forkful is pure dinner-time happiness. Give this recipe a go, and you’ll see just how easy comfort can be!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole that combines layers of creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. A comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spaghetti:

16 oz spaghetti

For the Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce

For the Cheese Mixture:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup ricotta cheese

For Assembly:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter (cubed)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then set aside.
Cook Meat Sauce: Brown beef and onion, add garlic, then stir in marinara sauce and simmer.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta until smooth.
Assemble: Layer spaghetti, cheese mixture, meat sauce, and top with cheeses and butter. Bake for 30–35 minutes.
Serve: Rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!