Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor? This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is exactly what you need! It’s a delicious combination of rich marinara sauce, savory ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly baked spaghetti—all in one dish.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family or making a make-ahead freezer meal, this baked spaghetti casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and absolutely irresistible!
1. What Makes This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Special?
✅ Cheesy & Creamy Layers – A mix of ricotta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
✅ Savory Meat Sauce – Made with ground beef, Italian sausage, and marinara for deep flavor.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple steps with no fancy ingredients needed.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for leftovers and freezer meals.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta & Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz spaghetti noodles
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and toss with a little butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Set aside for layering.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer 1: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in a greased baking dish.
- Layer 2: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Layer 3: Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
- Layer 4: Pour the meat sauce over everything.
- Final Layer: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously on top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
4. Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti
✅ Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for the best flavor.
✅ Don’t overcook the spaghetti—it will cook more in the oven.
✅ For extra cheesiness, add more mozzarella between layers.
✅ Make it ahead and refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor.
5. Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With It
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, fresh contrast to the cheesy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – A healthy and tasty side.
6. Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes if frozen, or microwave individual portions.
7. FAQs About Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Q: Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Yes! Cottage cheese works as a great substitute for ricotta.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this casserole?
A: Spaghetti noodles work best, but you can use penne or rigatoni for a twist.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with cheesy, meaty goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this baked spaghetti dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and enjoy a million-dollar meal without the million-dollar price tag!
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