Discover the irresistible flavors of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole—a delightful fusion of a hearty casserole and the classic comfort of spaghetti, promising a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.
What’s not to love about comfort food that’s easy to make and delicious? Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is one such dish that checks all the boxes. From its spaghetti noodles to the rich and flavorful filling and gooey mozzarella topping, this casserole dish is a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right spots.
In this blog post, I’ll explain why Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food perfect for any occasion by sharing the recipe, tips for making the perfect spaghetti bake casserole, variations, and serving and storing it.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Ingredients
To start making this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole at home, you’ll need key ingredients and basic kitchen tools such as:
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti noodles
- Ground beef
- 2 jars of marinara sauce
- Cream Cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped parsley
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
You’re pretty much going to make this similar to lasagna. You’ll layer the cooked noodles and meat sauce the same way. The biggest difference is that you will make a cheesy layer that combines softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, grated Parmesan Cheese, and basil in a bowl. I am not the biggest fan of cottage cheese, but the combination of this cheese mixture takes this whole dish to another level.
As the spaghetti is baking in the baking dish, that cheese mixture will saturate the entire dish, making great flavor and making the whole casserole taste “fancy.” Hence, “Million Dollar Casserole.”
Tips for Making the Perfect Spaghetti Casserole
To ensure that your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips to follow:
1. Make sure to cook the spaghetti noodles al dente or slightly firm, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Drain the cooked spaghetti noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Be sure to season the ground beef mixture generously with salt and pepper, as this is the base of your casserole’s flavor.
4. Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish, starting with the spaghetti noodles on the bottom, followed by the meat sauce and cheese mixture.
5. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil before baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
6. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
These tips will help you create the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, which can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Speaking of which, let’s explore some delicious variations of this classic dish.
Layering the spaghetti casserole
Variations to the Baked Spaghetti Casserole
These tips will help you create a delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole that is sure to become a household favorite. However, if you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, there are several variations of this classic dish that you can try.
Variation 1: Substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken to make it healthier. Alternatively, you could add some diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Variation 2: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat and mix some cooked lentils with the tomato sauce for a protein-packed alternative.
Variation 3: If you’re feeling indulgent, add some crumbled bacon to the top of the casserole for a savory twist.
These variations can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Once you’ve made your adjustments, simply follow the steps for assembling and baking the casserole outlined in the recipe above.
And if you have any leftovers, don’t worry – they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. With so many tasty variations, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole will become a regular staple in your meal planning rotation.
Serving and Storing Options
Once your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is freshly out of the oven, it’s time to dig in and enjoy its warm, comforting goodness. Serve it straight from the dish and top with fresh parsley or basil sprinkles for a touch of color and flavor.
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Simply store the casserole in an airtight container or cover it with aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated.
With endless ways to customize your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, it’s the ultimate comfort food for serving and sharing with family and friends. Whether you prefer it loaded with cheese, veggies, or meat, this casserole will surely become a go-to meal in your rotation.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the comfort food that we all need in our lives. With its perfect combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to satisfy any craving. There are endless ways to enjoy this dish, from the classic recipe to the various delicious variations. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can feed a crowd or provide leftovers for days.
Commonly Asked Questions
I think a good side salad would be a great option. Also, a side of green beans and sauteed asparagus or broccoli will also be a great option. Of course, you will need a side of garlic bread to top off the meal.
Yes! You can add a pound of ground pork or Italian Sausage to the ground beef.
Yep. Rigatoni or penne pasta are always good choices for baked well as casseroles.
You can use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese and a combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella for the topping.
Yes. You can wrap the rest of the casserole and wrap in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to one month. To cook, sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften, add a couple of tablespoons of water, and bake covered with aluminum foil for 30-45 minutes.
Similar Recipes
If you like recipes like this baked spaghetti casserole, you will enjoy the recipes below:
- 30-Minute Skillet Ziti
- Spaghetti with Homemade Meatsauce
- Skinny Lasagna Rolls
- Stuffed Manicotti Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
Discover the irresistible flavors of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: layers of spaghetti, meat sauce, and creamy cheeses in one unforgettable dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. Olive oil
- 1/2 c. onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 2 lb. Pasta sauce
- 1 lb. Spaghetti Noodles, cooked
- 4 tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. Onion powder
- 1sp. Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. Dried oregano
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened,
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 8 oz. cottage cheese
- 2 tsp. Dried or fresh basil
- 1/2 c. Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 Degrees. Spray a 9X13 casserole baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large pot of salted water cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain the pasta and place back into the pot. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and toss in with the noodles. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, bring to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan and begin to cook the onions. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, and cook just until fragrant. About 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Drain the excess fat from the beef.
- Add the pasta sauce to the cooked ground beef mixture one jar at a time. Stir and season with additional salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano if needed.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Grated Parmesan Cheese, and dried basil and stir to combine.
- Add a heaping serving spoonful of pasta sauce to the bottom of the baking dish. And a handful of cooked spaghetti noodles on top, just enough to cover. Ladle another spoonful of spaghetti sauce on top. Add another layer of spaghetti and then spread the entire cheese mixture on top of the middle layer of spaghetti. Add another layer of spaghetti noodles and top with a final layer of pasta sauce. Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese and dried parsley.
- Bake in the oven uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 Minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: American
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