If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender spaghetti noodles, rich layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat sauce, and a golden bubbly top that’s truly next-level. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to impress while being incredibly satisfying and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe starts with a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the rich meatiness of the sausage and beef to the creamy, cheesy layers and vibrant marinara sauce, every component enhances the casserole’s texture, taste, and color perfectly.
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles: Cook them just right to hold all the luscious layers together without getting mushy.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor that elevates the meat sauce.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty depth and classic richness to the dish.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Provides sweetness and aroma that balances the meat.
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed: Infuses the sauce with a punch of fragrant savory goodness.
- 2 jars (24 ounce each) marinara sauce: Use your favorite variety for a saucy, tomatoey foundation.
- 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy cheese layer that’s silky and indulgent.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds light texture and mild tang, keeping the cheese layer fluffy.
- ¼ cup sour cream: Boosts creaminess and a subtle tang for balance.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully to make every bite stringy and cheesy.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish when sprinkled on top.
- ½ cup butter, sliced: Creates a rich base that keeps the casserole moist and infuses buttery flavor.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: Gives a fresh pop of color and brightness before serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti and Toss with Sauce
Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles until they’re perfectly al dente — firm but tender enough to absorb flavors. Once drained, toss the hot noodles with one jar of marinara sauce. This coats the pasta evenly and prevents it from sticking, building a saucy base layer for the casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the combination of ground Italian sausage and ground beef together with the diced onion and pressed garlic. This step is key for developing deep, savory flavors. Be sure to drain excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too heavy. Stir in the second jar of marinara sauce and simmer until everything is heated through and well combined.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
While the meat sauce simmers, blend the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese in a medium bowl. Mixing these until smooth creates a luscious, velvety layer that adds a delightful creaminess contrasting the hearty meat and tender spaghetti.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Butter slices are placed carefully on the bottom of a deep 13×9 inch casserole dish—this little trick prevents sticking and adds richness. Layer half of the spaghetti tossed in sauce over the butter, then spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly on top. Follow that with the remaining spaghetti, then spoon the savory meat sauce as the penultimate layer. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, which will melt into a dreamy golden crust during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and perfectly browned on top, signaling that every flavor has melded together into a rich, mouthwatering masterpiece.
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a delicate pop of vibrant green but also lends a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the casserole. Feel free to add extra Parmesan for guests who love that cheesy kick.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. The lightness of a fresh salad or the crunch of toasted bread offers a perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy layers in the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the casserole dish for a warm, homey vibe, or dish it onto individual plates sprinkled with extra cheese and parsley for a classy touch. For a fun twist, try layering in colorful sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers next time for added texture and flavor bursts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it fantastic for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container to preserve freshness. It can be stored for up to 3 months without losing its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly. Adding a few extra minutes uncovered at the end can help refresh the golden cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic for this casserole, you can experiment with penne, rigatoni, or even rotini to catch more sauce and cheese in each bite. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure pasta is al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground sausage and beef for plant-based meat alternatives or sauté a medley of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers to keep the savory heartiness while making it meat-free.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely ahead of time and then bake it?
You can assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe the day before and refrigerate it. When ready, just pop it into the oven a bit longer to ensure it’s heated all the way through and bubbly.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that nicely complements the other cheeses.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce to give it a little kick. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese layer for heat lovers.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe that makes it a staple whenever comfort food cravings hit. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with layers of textures and tastes that come together beautifully. If you’re ready to wow your family or friends with a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple, this casserole is a must-try. Give it a go—you just might find your new go-to recipe for cozy nights at home.
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 rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring layers of spaghetti, savory Italian sausage and ground beef in marinara sauce, combined with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella. Topped with parmesan and butter for added flavor and baked to golden perfection, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings serving up to 12 people.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Meat and 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 Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with 1 jar of marinara sauce to lightly coat. Set aside to prepare the other components.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage with the diced onion and pressed garlic until fully cooked and fragrant. Drain off any excess grease carefully. Stir in the second jar of marinara sauce and simmer the mixture until heated through and well combined.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Place the butter slices evenly in the bottom of a 13×9 inch deep-dish casserole dish. Layer half of the spaghetti coated with marinara sauce over the butter. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer. Next, add the remaining spaghetti on top and cover it with the meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage with or without casing, as preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up for easier slicing.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking, add extra baking time if cold from fridge.
- Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
