If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings a cozy vibe and bursts of cheesy goodness in every bite, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a total gem to keep in your culinary repertoire. This baked pasta dish confidently layers tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, delivering a creamy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests, making it a versatile star for just about any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is a breeze, and each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the robust ground beef and marinara sauce to the creamy cheeses and melt-in-your-mouth butter, these components all come together in harmony to build a truly decadent casserole.
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles: Cook until al dente to give the casserole a satisfying bite without becoming mushy.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to this casserole base.
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a saucy, tangy hit.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors and seasons your meat sauce perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the sauce with classic Italian notes.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a silky creamy layer that binds the casserole together beautifully.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds tang and texture, complementing the cream cheese nicely.
- ½ cup sour cream: Boosts creaminess and a slight tang to the cheese layer.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Keeps everything gooey and melty on top with that irresistible pull.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled for an extra burst of savory umami flavor and a golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced: Dotted on top to enhance richness and help brown the cheese perfectly while baking.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until they’re just al dente. This texture ensures the noodles hold shape throughout baking and don’t become overly soft or mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the sauce and cheese layers.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Simmer the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until there’s no pink left, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat for a leaner casserole. Add the marinara sauce along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine. Allow this rich sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, giving all those flavors a chance to meld together beautifully—this will be the hearty backbone of your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
While the sauce simmers, whisk together softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This combination creates the luscious, velvety middle layer that contrasts perfectly with the tangy marinara and tender pasta. Make sure the cream cheese is well softened to avoid lumpiness and leftover cold pockets.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles on the bottom, then spread dollops of the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Pour half of the meat sauce on top of that, spreading gently with a spoon. Repeat with the remaining spaghetti and sauce layers. Finish by placing the butter slices evenly over the top before sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create that golden, bubbly crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. The goal is a bubbly sauce with a lovely golden brown top formed by the melted cheeses and butter. Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing so it sets up nicely. This cooling time makes serving easier and helps each portion hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh pop of color and flavor by sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving. You can also add a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. These little touches brighten the dish and make it look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple garlic bread or buttery breadsticks to sop up every last bit of that creamy, tangy sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly, adding freshness and crunch to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to offer personalized servings that look gourmet and inviting. You can also layer it in clear glass dishes or trifle bowls to show off the pretty layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, making the experience even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cover it well to keep the cheese moist and prevent any drying out. Leftovers typically taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to deepen.
Freezing
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole fully but don’t bake it yet—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding around 15 extra minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s cooked through evenly.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, removing the foil in the last 5 minutes to refresh that golden cheese topping. Reheated casserole maintains its creamy richness and delightful flavors just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Italian sausage or a mix of sausage and ground beef works wonderfully, adding extra flavor and richness. You can also go with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, but adjust seasoning to keep it tasty.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat alternatives or even a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying vegetarian twist. Just be sure to use a marinara sauce without added meat stock to keep it fully vegetarian-friendly.
What if I don’t have cottage cheese? Can I use ricotta instead?
Ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese and will still provide that creamy texture. Keep in mind it has a milder flavor and smoother texture, so the casserole might be slightly less tangy but still delicious.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Look for bubbling sauce around the edges and a nicely browned top layer of melted cheese and butter. If you insert a knife in the center, it should come out hot. Baking for 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F usually ensures it’s perfectly done.
Can I prepare this casserole completely ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble everything, cover it well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent choice for busy days or entertaining when you want to prep in advance and just bake before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big, warm smile on a plate—rich, cheesy, and comfortingly familiar, yet special enough to make any meal feel like an occasion. Give it a try and watch your family and friends fall in love bite after bite. Trust me, this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation for good reason. Happy cooking!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish combining tender spaghetti noodles, savory ground beef in marinara sauce, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and butter slices, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat Sauce
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef thoroughly until no longer pink; drain excess grease.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Stir marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning into the beef; let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream; stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly on the bottom. Spread dollops of the cheese mixture over noodles. Pour half of the meat sauce on top. Add remaining spaghetti, then cover with the rest of the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Arrange butter slices evenly over the casserole’s surface. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or use a mix of both meats.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble in advance and bake straight from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with garlic bread and a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
