Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor); 1 small onion diced; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (or homemade sauce); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup cottage cheese (or ricotta); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 12 oz spaghetti noodles; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup butter melted; ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

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Introduction

Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing, indulgent pasta dish that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious? Look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This dish combines layers of tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and a buttery crust for a meal that tastes like a million bucks.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this casserole is a guaranteed hit. In this article, we’ll share the best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe, along with expert tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions to ensure perfection every time.

Why Is It Called Million Dollar Spaghetti?

The name “Million Dollar Spaghetti” comes from its rich, decadent flavor that makes it taste like a million-dollar meal. Unlike traditional spaghetti, this casserole features layers of cream cheese, sour cream, and multiple cheeses, giving it a luxurious texture and taste.

It’s a comfort food classic that’s both budget-friendly and impressive enough to serve at gatherings.

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Resting Time
10 minutes
Serves
10 adults
Difficulty
Easy

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Ingredients

To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Cheese Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
½ cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta & Topping:

12 oz spaghetti noodles
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup butter, melted
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe :

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) with onion and garlic over medium heat.
Drain excess grease, then stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish.
Layer the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Pour the meat sauce over the noodles, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Drizzle with melted butter and breadcrumbs (if using) for a crispy topping.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

✅ Use High-Quality Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente noodles hold up better in the casserole.
✅ Let It Rest Before Serving – This helps the layers set for cleaner slices.
✅ Add Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can boost nutrition.
✅ Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Meat Variations

Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for leaner protein.
Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.

2. Cheese Swaps

Ricotta instead of Cottage Cheese – For a smoother texture.
Pepper Jack Cheese – Adds a spicy kick.

3. Pasta Alternatives

Gluten-Free Pasta – Works just as well for dietary restrictions.
Zucchini Noodles – Low-carb option.

4. Extra Toppings

Crispy Bacon Bits – For added smokiness.
Fresh Basil or Parsley – Brightens up the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Adds a healthy side.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole – Serving Size Guide

This rich, cheesy casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Here’s how many people it serves based on portion sizes:

🍽️ Standard Serving Size (Main Dish)

9×13-inch casserole dish
8-10 adults (generous portions)
12-15 servings (if paired with sides like salad & garlic bread)

🍝 Portion Breakdown

Serving Style	Servings
Large (Hungry Adults)	8
Medium (Average Portions)	10
Small (Kids or Light Eaters)	12-15

📌 Adjusting for Crowds

Double the recipe for 16-20 people (use two 9×13 pans).
Halve the recipe for 4-6 people (use an 8×8 pan).

💡 Pro Tips for Serving

✅ Potlucks: Cut into small squares (15+ servings).
✅ Family Dinners: Serve with garlic bread & salad to stretch further.
✅ Leftovers? Tastes even better reheated the next day!

🔹 Nutritional Estimate (Per Serving – Based on 10 portions)

Calories: ~450-500
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 35g
Fat: 25g

Final Answer:

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole comfortably serves 8-10 adults as a main dish or 12-15 with sides. Adjust as needed for your gathering!

Need help scaling the recipe up or down? Let me know! 😊

Storing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

Try this recipe today and see why it’s worth every bite! Don’t forget to bookmark this page and share it with friends and family.

Enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! 🍝💛

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Ahead of Time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Why Is My Casserole Dry?

Not enough sauce – Ensure the meat sauce is well-coated.
Overbaking – Stick to recommended baking times.

3. Can I Freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking for easy meals later.

4. What Makes This Recipe Different from Lasagna?

While similar, Million Dollar Spaghetti uses spaghetti noodles instead of lasagna sheets and has a creamier cheese layer.

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