You’ll love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole because it’s the perfect blend of rich, comforting flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist.
This dish combines the classic goodness of baked spaghetti with a creamy, velvety layer of cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta, making every bite indulgently satisfying.
The spaghetti is layered with a flavorful marinara sauce, seasoned perfectly with Italian spices, and topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that golden, crispy finish.
What makes it even more irresistible is how easy it is to prepare. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
The layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce meld together in the oven, creating a mouthwatering, comforting casserole that feels like a luxurious treat but is surprisingly simple.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt pepper, and seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add marinara sauce to the beef mixture and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Prepare the creamy layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in a greased baking dish. Top with half of the creamy cheese mixture, followed by half of the marinara sauce mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: Tips and Serving Tricks
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comfort food dish that combines layers of rich, cheesy spaghetti with a creamy, savory sauce.
It’s perfect for feeding a family or a group of guests, and it’s often a favorite at potlucks and gatherings.
Here are some tips and serving tricks to make your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole a standout dish.
1. Tips for Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Cook Pasta Al Dente
To prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy, cook the pasta to al dente. This ensures the noodles will hold up well during baking and maintain their texture, even after absorbing the sauce and cheese.
Overcooking the pasta can result in a soggy casserole, so stick to the cooking time on the package and avoid overcooking by 1-2 minutes.
Use a Quality Meat Sauce
The sauce is the heart of the casserole, so opt for quality ground beef or turkey. For a deeper, richer flavor, you can add sausage to the beef mixture. Season your sauce with garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomato sauce or use crushed tomatoes. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the sauce before simmering.
Layer with Cheese
The “million dollar” aspect of this casserole comes from its generous cheese layers. Make sure to use a combination of cheeses for the best result. A mix of cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and melty textures. The ricotta and cream cheese provide the creamy richness, while the mozzarella and Parmesan melt beautifully, giving the casserole a golden, bubbly top.
Let it Rest After Baking
After baking, let the casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut into clean, neat squares. If you try to serve it immediately after pulling it from the oven, it may fall apart, so patience is key for presentation.
2. Serving Tricks to Elevate Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Garnish for Color and Flavor
Garnishing adds both color and flavor to your casserole. Try topping it with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of green. A few sprigs of basil will complement the rich, cheesy flavors and bring freshness to the dish.
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can add an extra layer of flavor, making it feel more gourmet. For a touch of spice, top with a few red pepper flakes or crushed garlic for added warmth.
Serve with a Side Salad
To balance the richness of the casserole, serve it with a light, refreshing side salad. A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta pairs wonderfully with the cheesy pasta. Alternatively, a crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing can also complement the dish nicely.
Add Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette
Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make the perfect accompaniment. The crunchy, buttery bread adds texture and makes for the ideal vehicle to soak up any extra sauce left on the plate. You can even sprinkle the bread with a little Parmesan or mozzarella before toasting for added flavor.
3. Creative Variations to Try
Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian-friendly twist, swap the ground meat for vegetarian crumbles or mushrooms sautéed with garlic and onions. You can also add spinach or zucchini to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
Make It Spicy
If you enjoy a little heat, stir some jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sausage into the sauce. You can also sprinkle some spicy mozzarella for an extra kick.
Slow Cooker Option
For a hands-off approach, consider making Million Dollar Spaghetti in the slow cooker. Layer the ingredients in your crockpot, starting with sauce, followed by noodles, then cheeses, and repeat. Cook on low for about 4 hours or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted.
Key Ingredients Affecting Nutrition:
- Ground Beef – Adds protein, fat, and calories. Using lean ground beef (90% lean) can reduce fat content.
- Cream Cheese – Contributes to the richness and fat in the dish. Opting for reduced-fat cream cheese can reduce calories and fat.
- Spaghetti – The pasta contributes to carbohydrates. Using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta could improve fiber and reduce calories slightly.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Adds fat and protein. Reduced-fat mozzarella can lower fat and calories.
- Butter – If used, adds additional fat. Consider reducing or using a lower-fat substitute.
Tips to Adjust Nutrition:
- Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for lower fat.
- Swap reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat mozzarella to cut down on calories and fat.
- Opt for whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that can be customized to your tastes. With these tips and serving tricks, you’ll be able to make a mouthwatering casserole that’s sure to impress your guests and become a new family favorite!
