The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe For Dinner Joy

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar spaghetti casserole that promises to dazzle every palate at your dinner table.

Layers of creamy cheese, savory meat, and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight meals just got an incredible upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Home cooks will adore how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes when assembled.

Melted cheese creates golden, crispy edges that make each bite irresistible.

Rich and satisfying, this casserole feels like a warm hug on a plate.

You won’t believe how something so easy can taste so spectacular – dive in and watch everyone ask for seconds!

FAQs on Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor and nutritional profile.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

Reduce the amount of cheese, use low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese, and opt for lean ground meat to create a lighter version of the casserole.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

Why Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Is a Crowd Pleaser

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic pasta flavors that satisfy everyone from kids to adults with its rich, cheesy layers and hearty meat sauce.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Requires minimal kitchen skills and simple ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Combines multiple ingredients into a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and allowing busy families to enjoy a complete meal without extensive preparation or multiple cooking steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Feeder: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners, this casserole serves multiple people and can be prepared in advance, making it a go-to recipe for feeding hungry groups.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that forms the base of this hearty casserole.
• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful protein that adds depth to the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings tangy and savory notes to the casserole.

• Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy and indulgent blend of cheeses that creates a luxurious and smooth texture throughout the casserole.

• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds a golden-brown finish and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking Directions for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Cook Spaghetti Noodles

Boil the spaghetti following package directions until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Brown Tasty Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain away extra fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer and develop rich flavors for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Softened cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Half of the mozzarella cheese

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.

Step 5: Layer The Casserole Base

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half the cooked spaghetti across the bottom. Carefully cover with the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution. Top with remaining spaghetti.

Step 6: Add Meat And Final Cheese Layer

Pour meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti layers. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 7: Finish With Butter And Bake

Dot the top with small butter pieces. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Tips to Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and improve overall dish healthiness.
• Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Drain spaghetti thoroughly to prevent watery casserole and ensure perfect consistency.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter protein options.
• Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from over-browning.

Variations for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Zesty Italian Remix: Replace ground beef with spicy Italian sausage, add red pepper flakes, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Swap ground beef for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable marinara sauce and add spinach to the cheese mixture.
• Tex-Mex Fusion: Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat, use pepper jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips. Serve with salsa and cilantro garnish.
• Mediterranean Magic: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Use ground lamb instead of beef and mix in some Greek yogurt with the cheese layer.

Suggested Pairings for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations: A hearty red Italian Chianti wine perfectly balances the rich, cheesy spaghetti casserole with its bold fruit notes and medium tannins.
• Refresh with Crisp Salad Pairing: Create a light green arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's heavy, creamy texture and provide a zesty counterpoint.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread Side: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread brushed with olive oil and herbs to soak up the delicious meat sauce and complement the dish's robust flavors.
• Balance with Cool Dessert: Serve a chilled lemon sorbet or light tiramisu to cleanse the palate after the rich, cheesy spaghetti casserole and provide a sweet, refreshing finish.

Storage Recommendations for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning and ensure even heating.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Saucy million dollar spaghetti casserole brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Creamy layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese promise a hearty meal that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) spaghetti

Cheeses:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (226 grams) cottage cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and set aside.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cooking and eliminating excess fat.
4. Incorporate marinara sauce into the beef, allowing flavors to meld for 5-7 minutes on gentle simmer.
5. Create a creamy cheese blend by whisking together softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and half the mozzarella until smooth and well-combined.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and distribute first layer of cooked spaghetti across the bottom.
7. Spread the entire cheese mixture evenly over the initial spaghetti layer, covering completely.
8. Add remaining spaghetti as the second layer, creating a strategic pasta foundation.
9. Cascade meat sauce uniformly across the spaghetti layers, ensuring thorough coverage.
10. Generously sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
11. Strategically dot surface with butter pieces for enhanced richness.
12. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until cheese transforms into golden, bubbling perfection.

Notes

• Enhance the casserole’s richness by using high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content for more flavor depth.
• Create a lighter version by substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for a healthier protein option.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti and checking that marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole a day in advance and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 682 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg