Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, layered pasta bake that combines rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and melted mozzarella for a hearty meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want a satisfying dish with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt (for pasta water)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 24 oz marinara or meatless pasta sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spoon half of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta layer.
8. Step 8: Pour half of the meat sauce evenly over the creamy layer.
9. Step 9: Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, creamy cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
11. Step 11: Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Step 12: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
13. Step 13: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired, then serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.
• Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a smoother creamy layer.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for more vegetables.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.

Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Freeze the fully assembled casserole before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting layered pasta bake featuring spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, a creamy cheese layer, and a golden cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners, this baked casserole combines the rich flavors of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and a luscious blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, all topped with mozzarella and Parmesan for a deliciously indulgent meal.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti (uncooked)
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 24 oz marinara or meatless pasta sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Creamy Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

Cheese Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley or basil

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Prepare the creamy layer: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
4. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the casserole: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta, then add half of the meat sauce on top. Repeat the layering process one more time with the remaining spaghetti, creamy mixture, and meat sauce.
6. Add cheese topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the final meat sauce layer.
7. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use marinara sauce.
• Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To save time, use pre-minced garlic and pre-chopped onions.

Keywords: spaghetti casserole, baked pasta, ground beef casserole, creamy pasta bake, Italian comfort food, spaghetti bake