If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug after a long day, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This casserole combines every flavor you love about a classic Italian dinner, with layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese that bake together into an irresistible, golden-topped masterpiece. It’s the perfect blend of textures and tastes that will have your whole family asking for seconds — and maybe even thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, trusty ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and satisfying texture. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s bringing creamy richness, hearty protein, or bright notes of fresh garlic and onion.
- Spaghetti noodles: Cooked al dente to deliver the perfect bite without getting mushy when baked.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds bold, savory flavor with a hint of spice that livens up the meat mixture.
- Ground beef: A classic base that brings hearty richness and pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Yellow onion, diced: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation that blends harmoniously with the meats.
- Garlic, pressed: Infuses the sauce and meat mixture with deep, fragrant notes.
- Marinara sauce (two 24-ounce jars): The tomatoey goodness that binds everything together with tang and sweetness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates smooth creaminess and a subtle tanginess within the cheesy layer.
- Cottage cheese: Adds tenderness and a light texture, balancing out the heavier cheeses.
- Sour cream: Enhances the richness and lends a slight tang to the cheese blend.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Divided into layers to provide melty goodness and that ooey-gooey factor everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish and gorgeous golden color.
- Butter, sliced: Placed at the casserole’s base to keep the bottom silky and add a touch of indulgent richness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal bite.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a big pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook your spaghetti noodles until they are perfectly al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the noodles and immediately toss them with one jar of marinara sauce. This not only flavors the pasta but helps keep the noodles from sticking together as you layer the casserole later.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat up a large skillet and cook the ground beef and Italian sausage alongside the diced onion and pressed garlic. Make sure to crumble the meat as it cooks for even browning. Once everything is browned and fragrant, drain any excess grease so the casserole won’t be greasy. Stir in the second jar of marinara sauce and let it simmer gently until it’s heated through and all the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
Grab a medium bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix them together with a spoon or hand mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended—this layer will bring the casserole that luxurious, velvety texture that makes it so memorable.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Start by placing sliced butter evenly across the bottom of a deep 13-by-9 inch casserole dish to make the base rich and silky. Layer half of your spaghetti tossed in marinara over the butter, spreading it out gently. Next, spread the creamy cheese mixture in an even layer over the spaghetti. Add the rest of the spaghetti on top, then pour the meat sauce layer over everything. Finally, sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create that golden, bubbly crust that everyone craves.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling hot all over and the cheese on top is melted and a mouthwatering golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to let those flavors settle and hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe look as good as it tastes, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right before serving. The bright green adds a lovely pop of color and a little herbal brightness that balances the rich, cheesy layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite the star, but pairing it with a crisp, fresh green salad or roasted vegetables brings a nice contrast in texture and freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make fantastic sides to soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a potluck or family gathering, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass dish so your guests can admire the beautiful strata of sauce, cheese, and pasta before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover your leftover casserole tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It maintains its flavor and texture beautifully, making for fantastic next-day meals or lunchbox treats.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly, usually around 20-25 minutes. To keep the top from over-browning during reheating, loosely cover with foil and remove it for the last few minutes to refresh that golden cheese crust.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sausage for another type of meat?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives this dish its signature flavor, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even just ground beef if you prefer a milder taste. Just make sure to season accordingly to keep the richness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and other hearty vegetables. Use a vegetarian marinara sauce and consider adding plant-based cheese options if desired.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it myself?
You can, but shredding your own mozzarella usually melts better and has less added starch. For the best texture and flavor, freshly shredded cheese is recommended.
What size casserole dish should I use for this recipe?
A 13×9 inch deep dish casserole is ideal to ensure even layering and enough space for the layers to meld together without spilling over.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your marinara sauce and other ingredients don’t contain gluten or additives with gluten.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is truly a treasure for anyone who loves a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing Italian-inspired meal. The way the cheeses, meats, and sauces come together baked beneath a golden crust is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a dish to share, this casserole is sure to win hearts and fill bellies with joy. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe for special weeknight dinners and festive gatherings!
Print
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered pasta dish featuring spaghetti noodles, a rich meat sauce made with Italian sausage and ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 jars (24 ounce each) marinara sauce, any variety
Cheese Mixture
- 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- ½ cup butter, sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with one jar of marinara sauce. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage along with the diced onion and pressed garlic. Drain excess grease, then stir in the second jar of marinara sauce. Simmer until heated through and flavors meld.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced butter evenly in the bottom of a 13×9 inch deep dish casserole. Layer half of the spaghetti mixed with marinara over the butter. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over this layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti, then spread the meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat mixture to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version if preferred.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
