Million Dollar spaghetti casseroleIs a decadent, layered dish that combines pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and a buttery topping for a crowd-pleasing dinner? This casserole is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight meals when you want to serve something truly indulgent. With its irresistible layers and gooey texture, it’s sure to earn a spot on your dinner rotation!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
For Pasta and Meat Sauce: For the Pasta and Meat Sauce: For the Pasta and Me
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce. 1 jar (24 oz)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning. 1 tsp.
- Salt and pepper, to taste
What is the Creamy Cheese Layer?
- 1 cup ricotta cheese. 1 cup ricott or cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 112 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. 112 cups shredded mozzarella cheese., divided
- 12 cup grated Parmesan cheese. 12 cup parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 12 cup unsalted butter. 12 cup unsal, melted
- ½ cup breadcrumbs(optional, for extra texture) (optional, for extra texture
Directions
How do I prepare Pasta and Sauce?
- Cook Pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Meat SauceIn a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole:
- How do I prepare a Creamy Layer?In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Set aside.
- Layer the Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom. Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
Add the Topping:
- Top and Bake: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the casserole. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top. Finish with the remaining 12 cup mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Rest and Slice: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Substitutions: Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Extra Add-Ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for more flavor and nutrients.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole lives up to its name with its rich, creamy layers and hearty flavors. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Can you assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator? Can you freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months?
What are some substitutions for meat and cheese layers?
Can you substitute ground beef for ground turkey? For the cheese layer, ricotta cheese can be replaced with cream cheese, though the texture will be slightly different. How much mozzarella and Parmesan cheese do you like?
How do you know if your spaghetti is cooked?
The casserole is done when the top is bubbly and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned around the edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also gently insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean, or with melted cheese, indicating the layers are heated through.
Can I double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd, and if so, what adjustments are needed?
Can you scale up the recipe? For a doubled recipe, use a 9×13 baking dish and a second one, or use a larger commercial baking pan. Is it necessary to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, and keep a close eye on the top to prevent burning. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What are the nutritional highlights of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
This casserole provides protein from the ground meat and cheese, calcium from the cheese, and fiber from the spaghetti. What are some healthy ways to eat spinach and mushrooms?
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a family favorite comfort food with layers of cheesy goodness.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1.5 lbs ground beef can use ground turkey instead
- 24 oz marinara sauce your favorite brand
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce with the cooked beef, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage cheese, and a cup of mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti, the cheese mixture, and remaining spaghetti.
- Pour beef and marinara mixture over the pasta layers. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
