Sink your fork into this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, and you’ll discover why it’s earned such a show-stopping reputation. Imagine all your favorite flavors from classic lasagna and creamy baked pasta, perfectly layered and smothered in gooey cheese—with a savory twist thanks to hearty beef and spicy sausage. This is that magical, crowd-pleasing dish every family gathering needs, yet it’s simple enough to whip up on a cozy weeknight. If you’ve been searching for your next comfort food obsession, let this irresistible casserole become your new standby.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is how it takes everyday ingredients and turns them into something truly memorable. Each element brings just the right taste, texture, and color to the party—you won’t want to skip a thing!
- Spaghetti (1 pound, cooked and drained): The pasta base that holds everything together, perfectly tender and never mushy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A light toss prevents the noodles from sticking together and adds a subtle richness.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Classic comfort awaits—ground beef builds savory depth that pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Whether you use mild or spicy, sausage is the secret that gives each bite extra flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Sweet, aromatic onion creates a foundation for your sauce and ensures every bite is satisfying.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): There’s nothing like fresh garlic to punch up the whole dish with bold, mouthwatering aroma.
- Marinara sauce (1 24-ounce jar): Smooth, tomatoey goodness, binding all the savory layers together.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This creamy surprise adds a luxurious, velvety layer right in the center.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Ricotta delivers classic Italian flair and an unbeatable texture. (Cottage cheese works in a pinch!)
- Sour cream (1 cup): Just the right tang to balance out that cheesy richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melted, bubbly, and golden brown—this is the cheese pull you dream about.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): A nutty, salty finish that makes the casserole irresistible.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential basics—taste as you go and season to perfection.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): A sprinkle of green takes the whole dish from simple to special.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta and give it a quick toss with olive oil—this keeps everything smooth and ready for layering, no sticky noodle clumps!
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Brown the meats, breaking them up with your spoon as they cook. Once the meat is no longer pink, add in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes while those flavors get cozy.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
While the sauce simmers, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Stir until completely smooth and luscious. This layer is what makes Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole so decadent—it’s a creamy surprise that sets this pasta bake apart!
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom of the dish. Dollop and gently spread the cheese mixture on top, then add the rest of the spaghetti. Pour that rich, savory meat sauce evenly over the top for a gorgeous, saucy finish.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by a generous handful of grated Parmesan. The double cheese topping guarantees a golden, bubbly crust that everyone will want a corner piece of.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese on top to turn golden brown and bubbly—pure comfort food in the making!
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This short pause helps everything set up for easy slicing, and it gives you just enough time to sprinkle on some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens every serving, lending a fresh, herby aroma and a splash of color that stands out against all that melty cheese. Try a touch more grated Parmesan or even some fresh basil if you have it—just a little flourish goes a long way to making each plate feel special.
Side Dishes
This casserole begs for something simple alongside—a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or steamed broccoli lets the rich pasta shine. A slice of warm garlic bread or homemade focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and rounding out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole for a special occasion? Try slicing big, square portions and setting them on a platter. For a fun twist at parties, you can bake the casserole in muffin tins for mini servings—guaranteed to delight a crowd or make kids excited for dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover casserole tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The rich flavors only get better as they meld together, making leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole freezes beautifully. Slice it into portions, wrap each in foil or airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—then dinner is ready whenever you are.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop individual slices or the whole dish (covered) into a 350°F oven until warmed through. A quick zap in the microwave works for busy lunches, but reheating in the oven gets that top layer bubbling again, just like when it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta you have on hand. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up during baking.
What’s the best way to make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before it goes in the oven, and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a lighter version for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, try swapping out the cream cheese and sour cream for low-fat varieties, or use ground turkey instead of beef. Just keep those signature layers for maximum flavor!
Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole gluten free?
Yes—simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check your marinara sauce to ensure it’s gluten free. The rest of the ingredients should already fit the bill.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works wonderfully as a substitute for ricotta. It keeps things creamy but with a slightly lighter texture—just drain it well before using to avoid extra moisture in your layers.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole yet, I hope you’re inspired to give it a try. One bite will show you why this recipe is a beloved favorite in so many kitchens. It brings people together with melty cheese, hearty flavors, and pure comfort—so go ahead, gather your loved ones and enjoy every forkful!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and cheesy goodness of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Layers of pasta, savory meats, creamy cheeses, and zesty sauce come together to create a truly irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti, cooked and drained
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, drain, and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Prepare cheese mixture: Mix cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Layer spaghetti, cheese mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your taste.
- This casserole freezes well—just bake and freeze in portions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
