Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Dive into the rich, cheesy layers of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, where tender pasta meets gooey cheese and savory meat sauce in perfect harmony. This indulgent dish has earned its name from the luxurious combination of creamy cheese filling, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti that tastes like a million bucks without the hefty price tag. When you pull this bubbling casserole from the oven, the aroma of herbs and melted cheese will have everyone gathering around your table. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole combines the best elements of lasagna and spaghetti into one magnificent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The contrast between the creamy cheese center and the rich meat sauce creates a texture experience that’s utterly satisfying with every bite. Unlike traditional spaghetti, this casserole version stays perfectly moist and flavorful, even when reheated, making it ideal for busy families.

What makes this pasta bake truly special is its versatility and convenience. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. The layers of flavor develop beautifully as it bakes, creating a cohesive dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

The crispy, golden cheese topping gives way to creamy, saucy layers below, offering a delightful textural contrast in each forkful. This cheesy spaghetti bake is comfort food elevated to new heights, bringing together familiar flavors in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Ingredients

For this ultimate pasta casserole, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (454g) spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb (454g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides the best flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce (use high-quality for best results)
• 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• 8 oz (227g) cottage cheese (small curd works best)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) butter, divided
• 2 cups (227g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The combination of three different cheeses gives this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole its signature rich flavor and incredible creaminess that sets it apart from ordinary pasta bakes.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is all about technique and timing. Here are three game-changing tips to elevate your casserole:

First, don’t overcook your pasta. Boil the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish. Aim for a true al dente texture that will hold up to the sauce and baking process.

Second, create a flavor foundation by properly browning your meat. Take your time when browning the ground beef, allowing it to develop a deep caramelization before adding the onions and garlic. This simple step builds a rich flavor base that carries through the entire casserole. Don’t rush this step—those browned bits are pure flavor gold.

Third, allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes after baking. This critical resting period allows the layers to set properly, making it much easier to slice and serve beautiful portions. It also allows the flavors to meld together and prevents that disappointing situation where all the sauce runs to the bottom of the dish when served too hot.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than package directions, then drain well but don’t rinse. Toss the hot pasta with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once nearly cooked through (about 5 minutes), add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onion is translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.

Step 3

Pour the marinara sauce into the meat mixture, stir well, and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then remove from heat.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well combined. Season with the remaining Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is what gives Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole its distinctive richness.

Step 5

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by melting 1/4 cup of butter and pouring it into the bottom of the dish, ensuring it coats the entire surface. This butter layer creates an irresistible crispy edge on your casserole.

Step 6

Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pasta and gently spread to create an even layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti.

Step 7

Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter and drizzle it over the top pasta layer. This might seem indulgent, but it’s what puts the “million dollar” in this casserole!

Step 8

Pour the meat sauce evenly over the pasta layers, then top with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, being careful not to let the foil touch the cheese.

Step 9

Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown. Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Variations

The classic Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is delicious, but you can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a meatless Monday option, substitute the ground beef with a robust mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. The varied textures of the vegetables create a satisfying meat alternative while keeping the dish hearty.

For a spicier version, transform this into a Tex-Mex inspired pasta bake by adding a diced jalapeño to the onion mixture, using pepper jack cheese in place of part of the mozzarella, and mixing 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning into the meat sauce. Top with sliced black olives and serve with a dollop of guacamole for a fusion dish that combines Italian comfort with Mexican flair.

For those following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the regular spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The cheesy, saucy nature of this baked spaghetti casserole makes it very forgiving with alternative pastas, and the robust flavors will still shine through.

Storage and Serving

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry.

For serving, pair this rich casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up every last bit of sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to bring freshness and color to your plate.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While traditional spaghetti gives this dish its classic look, any pasta shape works well. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are excellent alternatives that hold the sauce nicely.

Why is my casserole watery?
This typically happens if the pasta wasn’t drained well or if your sauce was very thin. To prevent this, drain pasta thoroughly and simmer your sauce until it’s slightly thickened.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe, creating an even more lasagna-like texture and flavor profile.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the cheese on top is melted and starting to brown, and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot. The internal temperature should reach about 165°F.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a decadent, cheesy pasta bake that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that brings the family running to the dinner table and leaves everyone satisfied yet somehow still craving more. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning meals for a busy week ahead, or simply craving something warmly comforting, this recipe delivers rich flavor and creamy indulgence in every bite. The effort is minimal, but the results are magnificent — proving that sometimes the most beloved recipes are the ones that feel like home.

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