Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole has a way of making any night feel special, like a little slice of heaven delivered right to your dinner table. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the aroma of savory meat sauce and bubbling cheese filled our home, and soon enough, everyone was gathered around, eager for a taste. It’s truly an easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole to whip up, even on a busy weeknight, and the resulting layers of creamy, cheesy goodness are absolutely divine. This homemade Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole quickly became a cherished family favorite, and I know you’ll love it too. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible flavor explosion with every bite.
- It’s a remarkably easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- A wonderfully budget-friendly dish that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Guaranteed to be a family favorite, even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
- The layers of creamy, cheesy goodness make it a truly decadent and creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.
- You’ll get a perfectly cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with that irresistible gooey texture.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Ingredients
Gathering the right Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ingredients is the first step to unlocking this incredible dish. You’ll need 16 ounces spaghetti, cooked until perfectly al dente. For that rich, meaty flavor, we’re using 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound Italian sausage, which really makes this a hearty meal. Don’t forget 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 medium onion, diced, for building our savory sauce base. Two large jars of your favorite 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce bring it all together. The secret to the creamy layers? A delightful mix of 1 cup cottage cheese, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, and 0.25 cup sour cream. This combination creates that signature luscious texture. And of course, no casserole is complete without cheese: 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided, for that perfect, gooey topping. Finally, 8 tablespoons butter, cut into slices, adds a touch of richness before the final bake.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Let’s dive into how to make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! It’s surprisingly straightforward for such a decadent dish. First things first, get that oven fired up to 375°F (190°C). While it’s preheating, cook your 16 ounces spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – you don’t want mushy pasta! Drain it well and set it aside. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown your 1 pound ground beef and 1 pound Italian sausage together. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess grease. Now, toss in your 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 medium onion, diced, and sauté until the onion is soft and wonderfully fragrant, about 5 minutes. Pour in your 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, stir everything together, and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes – the aroma is amazing!
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the creamy filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup cottage cheese, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, and the 0.25 cup sour cream until it’s completely smooth and luscious. Now for the assembly! Spread half of your cooked spaghetti evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon the creamy cottage cheese mixture over this layer, spreading it gently. Next, spoon about half of your meat sauce over the cheese layer, followed by 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella. This is where the magic starts to happen, creating those signature layers of this Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake. Top with the remaining cooked spaghetti, then pour the rest of the meat sauce over it. Distribute the 8 tablespoons butter, cut into slices, evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over everything. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let this masterpiece rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Want to elevate your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole from delicious to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that guarantee success every time I make this dish.
- Don’t overcook your spaghetti! Al dente is key; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- For an even richer flavor, consider using a mix of mild and hot Italian sausage.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking is crucial for those perfect, clean slices.
- Using high-quality ricotta or cottage cheese makes a noticeable difference in the creamy texture.
What’s the secret to perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
The real secret to that amazing, creamy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole texture lies in the cheese blend. Combining cottage cheese and cream cheese creates a luscious, decadent filling that sets this recipe apart. Don’t skip this step!
Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for planning a Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole quick dinner. Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. You’ll just need to add a little extra baking time, about 10-15 minutes, to ensure it’s heated through.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
To ensure you have an amazing easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe, avoid overcooking the pasta and don’t overmix the cheese filling, as this can make it dense. Also, make sure your baking dish is large enough to prevent overflow during baking.
Best Ways to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This hearty dish is a true Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck spread. It stands beautifully on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty garlic bread is also a must-have for soaking up any extra sauce – you won’t want to waste a single drop! For a more complete meal, consider a side of steamed broccoli or green beans, adding a touch of freshness to balance the decadent layers of this amazing casserole. You can find more delicious recipes at our recipe collection.
Nutrition Facts for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
When enjoying a generous slice of this delightful dish, here’s what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For other hearty meals, check out this Turkey Meatloaf Recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
One of the best things about this homemade Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is how well it stores and reheats, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Once it’s cooled down completely after baking, cut any leftovers into individual portions. Store these portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you know you won’t finish it within that time, it freezes beautifully too! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole again, simply reheat it.
For reheating from the fridge, you can place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until warmed through, or pop it back into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat directly from frozen in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. You might need to loosely tent it with foil to prevent the top from getting too brown. For more tips on meal preparation, consider these Zepbound Weight Loss Recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
What is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
It’s a decadent, layered pasta bake that earns its “million dollar” name from its incredibly rich and satisfying flavors. Think tender spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and a golden, bubbly mozzarella topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food and a true Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole family favorite because it’s so hearty and delicious.
Can I use different kinds of pasta?
While traditional spaghetti is classic, you can experiment! Penne, rotini, or even lasagna noodles could work in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, aiming for al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. This flexibility makes it an even more versatile dish. For a different pasta experience, try this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce.
How do I make it vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and Italian sausage. You can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even a plant-based ground substitute. This still allows you to enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this a popular dish. You might also enjoy our Crispy Roasted Cauliflower as a side dish.
Why is my casserole watery?
Sometimes a watery casserole can happen if too much liquid is released from the meat or sauce. Make sure to drain the grease from the meat mixture thoroughly. If your spaghetti sauce seems particularly thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce it before adding it to the casserole. Properly draining the pasta also helps prevent excess moisture. If you’re looking for other dairy-free options, check out this Keto Cottage Cheese Bread Recipe.
Variations of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, you might want to explore some fun twists on this beloved dish. For a quicker prep, consider using Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole no-boil noodles; just be sure to add a bit more liquid to your sauce to ensure they cook through. You can also adapt the cooking method – while this is a fantastic Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole oven baked delight, you could try assembling it in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. For a lighter take, swap the ground beef and sausage for lean ground turkey or a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of pesto or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavor boost!
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Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: 1 Heavenly Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is an easy, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s simple to make and always a hit.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 (24-ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 8 tablespoons butter, cut into slices
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain off excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet with the meat. Cook until onion is soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the spaghetti sauce, stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the cottage cheese layer. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
- Layer the remaining cooked spaghetti on top.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the second layer of spaghetti. Distribute butter slices evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the butter.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- If baking from cold, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
