When it comes to comfort food recipes, few dishes can compete with the rich, creamy, and cheesy indulgence of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, savory meat sauce, a luscious cream cheese mixture, and gooey melted cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This dish isn’t just dinner—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came straight out of an Italian restaurant, yet it’s easy enough to whip up at home.
Whether you’re feeding a large family, preparing for a potluck, or simply craving a warm and hearty meal, this baked spaghetti casserole delivers the perfect balance of flavor and comfort.
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Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture:
1 pound spaghetti – The hearty pasta base that holds the casserole together.
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage) – Brings savory richness and meaty flavor to the sauce.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Provides the classic tomato base; choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and sweetness to the meat sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
8 oz cream cheese, softened – The “million dollar” secret, giving the casserole its creamy, luxurious layer.
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to balance the pasta and meat sauce.
1 cup sour cream – Lends tangy creaminess that keeps the casserole moist.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, creating gooey, stretchy cheese layers.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty flavor for balance.
2 tablespoons butter – Used to lightly coat the bottom of the casserole dish, preventing sticking and adding richness.
Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Provides a bright, fresh finish.
Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with the onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Prepare the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), and sour cream until smooth and well blended. This is the “million dollar” layer that makes the casserole irresistible.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the dish.
Layer half of the cream cheese mixture over the pasta.
Add half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, cream mixture, meat sauce, and cheeses.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
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Why Everyone Loves Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters devour it.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake when ready.
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers.
Ultimate Comfort Food: A combination of spaghetti, meat sauce, creamy layers, and cheese makes it irresistibly satisfying.
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Pro Tips for the Best Spaghetti Casserole
Undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
Use Italian sausage instead of beef for extra flavor.
Mix cheeses – mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for sharpness, ricotta for creaminess.
Let it rest before serving to ensure clean slices and layered perfection.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with:
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Fresh garden salad – A crisp, refreshing balance to the richness.
Roasted vegetables – Like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
A glass of red wine – Such as Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to elevate the flavors.
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Conclusion
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. With its hearty pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and golden baked topping, it’s the definition of comfort food done right. Simple enough for weeknight dinners, yet impressive enough for entertaining, this casserole proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something extraordinary.
Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite—a dish that delivers every single time. So grab y
our baking dish, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this rich, satisfying, and irresistible baked spaghetti casserole.
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