Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and delicious comfort food dish that combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese filling.
It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, offering both indulgence and warmth. This casserole is perfect for family dinners.
potlucks, or even as a special occasion meal. With its cheesy goodness and rich flavors, it’s no wonder why it has earned the name “Million Dollar.”
Ingredients
For the Spaghetti and Cheese Layers:
16 ounces spaghetti
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Pour the melted butter over the spaghetti, tossing it to coat evenly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the pasta is fully coated and the cheese is incorporated.
Next, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes, then season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
While the sauce is simmering, make the cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley.
Mix until smooth and well-combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, assemble the casserole. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the spaghetti mixture at the bottom.
Spread half of the cheese filling evenly over the pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, cheese filling, and meat sauce.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue.
baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make
To begin making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, the first thing to do is cook the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water, and then cook the spaghetti until it’s al dente.
This should take about 9 to 10 minutes. After draining the spaghetti, place it back in the pot while adding the melted butter.
Toss the pasta until it’s evenly coated and then stir in the Parmesan cheese. This forms the first layer of the casserole.
Meanwhile, the meat sauce is simmering away. In a skillet, sauté the ground beef with onion and garlic. Once browned, add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and seasoning.
Let the sauce cook for a while, so the flavors can deepen and blend together. While the sauce is simmering, work on the cheese filling.
For the cheese filling, simply beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, cheddar, and parsley.
This creamy mixture will form the luscious second layer of the casserole. It’s the secret ingredient that gives the dish its “million-dollar” flavor.
Once everything is prepared, layer the casserole. Start with a layer of buttered spaghetti, followed by half of the creamy cheese filling, then half of the savory meat sauce.
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients. When layering, be sure to spread each layer evenly for the best results.
After assembling, bake the casserole, first covered with foil to ensure it cooks evenly. Then, remove the foil towards the end to allow the top to become golden brown.
The cheese will melt into the layers, creating a beautiful, bubbling casserole that is both inviting and mouthwatering.
Once the casserole is done, let it rest for a few minutes to firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.
This step ensures that you get nice, clean slices. The result is a satisfying meal that your whole family will enjoy.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
This will give you a leaner meat sauce while still maintaining a delicious flavor. You can also add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for a hearty vegetable filling. A mixture of sautéed zucchini, eggplant, and spinach can give you the same savory richness without the meat.
You can also use a meat-free marinara sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meat sauce. The heat will pair beautifully with the creamy cheese filling.
Additionally, consider topping the casserole with some extra cheese during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy layer.
For a different twist, you can also use other types of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. The larger.
pasta shapes will hold up well to the layers of sauce and cheese, offering a slightly different texture with each bite.
Another great variation is to incorporate some bacon or sausage into the meat sauce. This will add a smoky flavor and extra richness to the casserole, making it even more indulgent.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack or gouda, to create a unique flavor profile.
For those who enjoy a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the casserole before baking.
The breadcrumbs will add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy layers beneath.
Lastly, you can freeze this casserole for later. After assembling, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through.
Tips
One key tip for this recipe is to make sure you don’t overcook the spaghetti. Since the pasta will bake in the casserole.
you want it to be al dente before layering it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the noodles from becoming mushy in the oven.
When making the meat sauce, be sure to simmer it long enough to allow the flavors to fully develop.
This will give the sauce a richer taste and a thicker consistency. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can also add some diced tomatoes or fresh herbs to the mix.
Another tip is to use room temperature cream cheese for the filling. This ensures that the cheese mixes smoothly with the sour cream and other cheeses.
creating a creamy, lump-free filling. If you’re in a hurry, microwave the cream cheese for about 15 seconds to soften it quickly.
For a crispier top, consider adding a layer of shredded mozzarella on top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking.
This will give you a golden, bubbly crust that everyone will love. You can also broil the casserole for a few minutes after it’s done baking to get that perfect golden-brown finish.
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, it can be assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
This allows the flavors to meld together, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days or special gatherings.
Don’t forget to season each layer well. Whether it’s the pasta, cheese filling, or meat sauce
proper seasoning is key to balancing all the flavors. Taste each layer and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.
Lastly, if you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish.
This casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and having extra will ensure that everyone gets a hearty portion.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, filling, and full of delicious layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or try one of the many variations, you’ll have a meal that is sure to satisfy.
This dish is perfect for feeding a hungry family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a meal for the week.
With its rich flavor and cheesy goodness, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole will quickly become a favorite in your home.