Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti into one creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a meal that feels indulgent and special. Packed with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and gooey melted cheese, it truly lives up to its “million-dollar” name.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Layer:

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Filling:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spaghetti

1. Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions.
2. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer with half of the meat sauce.
5. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the meat sauce.
6. Add the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
7. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake

1. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

History of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a modern twist on classic Italian-American dishes like lasagna and baked ziti. Its name likely comes from the indulgent ingredients that make it taste like a luxurious meal. This casserole became popular in family kitchens due to its simple preparation and ability to feed a crowd with rich, comforting flavors.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: A complete meal with protein, carbs, and dairy.
• Kid-Friendly: Loved by even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Based on 8 servings:

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: ~800mg

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a go-to recipe for anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing, flavorful, and satisfying dish. Its creamy layers and cheesy goodness make it a family favorite, perfect for any occasion.

Lovers of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This recipe is a hit among pasta lovers, cheese enthusiasts, and busy families. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a freezer meal, or just looking for something comforting, this casserole will always impress.