Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a warm, bubbling hug of a dish that’s guaranteed to win hearts at your table. Just imagine layers of tender spaghetti, rich and creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and golden, gooey melted cheese all baked to bubbly perfection—this recipe tastes every bit as indulgent as its name promises. Whether you’re feeding a family, bringing a dish to a potluck, or craving cozy comfort food that begs for seconds, this casserole always delivers, making dinner both effortless and extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best thing about Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is just how effortlessly you can transform everyday kitchen staples into something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays its part, building layers of texture, color, and that irresistible taste that keeps everyone asking for more.
- Spaghetti noodles: The classic backbone, soaking up all the delicious sauces and cheesy goodness while holding the casserole together.
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and just the right amount of richness to every bite; try to use lean beef for less grease.
- Marinara sauce: Think of this as the flavor blanket, bringing tang, sweetness, and herby undertones—pick your favorite jar or homemade!
- Cream cheese: This is what makes the creamy center luxuriously smooth and slightly tangy; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Sour cream: Adds irresistible creaminess and a gentle tang that lightens up the filling.
- Cottage cheese or ricotta: Either works; they add tenderness and mellow dairy notes for that true Italian-American casserole vibe.
- Butter: Dotting butter between layers keeps the spaghetti luscious and adds a subtle richness throughout.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for that stretchy, melty, golden top everyone loves—don’t skimp!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty finish that perfectly rounds out each bite.
- Fresh basil or parsley: The final burst of color and fresh flavor—a simple garnish that wakes up the dish.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Let’s set the scene for your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish—this keeps all those cheesy edges from sticking, making serving (and clean-up) a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti noodles until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well. Remember, the pasta will keep soaking up flavor as it bakes, so don’t overcook now!
Step 3: Prepare the Beefy Marinara Sauce
While the noodles cook, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks for even browning. Once there’s no pink left, drain any excess fat, then stir in your marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently for five minutes—just enough time for the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta) until smooth and well blended. This dreamy mixture is what makes every forkful so exceptionally creamy and decadent!
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Now the fun part—build those layers! Begin by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti over the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Dot with half the butter slices, then spread all of your creamy cheese mixture evenly on top. Add the remaining spaghetti as the next layer, dot again with the rest of the butter.
Step 6: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour your meat sauce evenly over everything, ensuring each corner is covered and flavorful. Then, shower the casserole with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The more cheese, the more melty magic!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your assembled Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden-brown top that smells like pure comfort. Let the casserole stand for at least 10 minutes after baking—this helps everything set up and makes serving so much neater.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
A shower of fresh basil or parsley right before serving is the cherry on top. The pop of green adds color and freshness, waking up all the rich flavors. If you like a little extra zip, a few chili flakes or a dusting of extra Parmesan can be fun, too.
Side Dishes
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad—think a zesty Italian vinaigrette and plenty of crunchy veggies. Add some garlic bread or a warm baguette for dipping into any cheese-laden corners left behind. Want to keep it classic? Roasted or steamed green beans add a bright, simple side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for personal-sized bakes—so charming! For potlucks, keep it classic and bake right in the dish, then slice big, hearty squares. For a weeknight dinner surprise, tuck a wedge onto a large plate and top with a swirl of extra sauce and herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole stores like a dream. Simply cover the cooled baking dish with foil or transfer pieces to airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as irresistible.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar! You can freeze the entire baked (and cooled) dish, tightly wrapped, for up to two months. For smaller servings, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and stash them in freezer bags. Before freezing, label with the date so you remember when you stashed this homemade treasure.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm covered in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly—usually about 30 minutes. For speed, microwave individual servings until hot, covering lightly to keep moisture in. A sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating always revives that just-baked feel!
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, feel free to use other long noodles like linguine, or even penne or ziti. The key is to keep the pasta al dente so it holds up during baking.
Is it okay to use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef?
Yes—you can swap in ground turkey for a lighter flavor or Italian sausage for a little extra spice and depth. Just brown and drain as you would with beef, then proceed with the recipe!
Can I assemble Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, let it come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s perfect for stress-free entertaining!
What can I substitute for cottage cheese or ricotta?
If you’re not into cottage cheese or ricotta, try using plain Greek yogurt or extra cream cheese. The texture will be a bit different, but you’ll still get that delicious creamy layer.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole vegetarian, simply skip the ground beef and use a meatless marinara or your favorite plant-based ground “meat”. Add extra mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to bulk up the filling and add color.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes gather people around the table quite like Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. It’s rich, satisfying, and feels like a celebration in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll have a new family favorite ready to go for busy weeks, cozy weekends, or any time you crave Italian-inspired comfort at home!