Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

by

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a beloved, comforting dish that combines layers of rich flavors, creamy textures, and gooey cheese. This casserole is like a cross between baked spaghetti and lasagna, and it’s designed to impress with its decadent, “million-dollar” combination of ingredients. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Layer:

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)

For the “Million-Dollar” Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

  • 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti:
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain, toss with a bit of olive oil, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
    • Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
    • Add the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using), stirring to combine. Let it simmer on low while you prepare the rest.
  3. Make the Million-Dollar Filling:
    • In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Casserole:
    • Spread half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
    • Spoon and spread the cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
    • Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer, and then pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Top with Mozzarella:
    • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top of the casserole for that signature gooey layer.
  6. Bake:
    • Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

  • Make it a day ahead to let the flavors deepen.
  • Substitute Italian sausage or ground turkey for ground beef to customize the flavor.
  • Add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a hint of spice.

Serve up this creamy, cheesy, comforting spaghetti casserole and prepare for rave reviews!

Leave a Comment