If you’re craving a comforting, family-friendly dinner that feels extra special without extra effort, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole delivers. With tender spaghetti, a hearty beef marinara, and a rich, creamy cheese layer baked under bubbly mozzarella, this cozy classic is perfect for busy weeknights, make-ahead meals, or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Ultra-comforting: Creamy, cheesy layers make every bite satisfying.
- Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples stretch to feed a family.
- Make-ahead ready: Assemble early and bake when you’re ready.
- Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or Sunday dinners.
- Customizable: Easy swaps for pasta, protein, or dairy preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta & Sauce
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Creamy Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings & Seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, then toss with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the spaghetti on the bottom
- Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta
- Spoon half of the meat sauce on top
- Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti and meat sauce
Step 5: Add Cheese & Bake
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
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Easy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Cozy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole layers tender spaghetti with hearty beef marinara and a rich, creamy cheese filling, all baked under bubbly mozzarella. Perfect for make-ahead family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
16 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp butter
1 lb ground beef
3 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3. Toss hot spaghetti with butter until evenly coated.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
5. Season beef with salt and black pepper, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
7. Layer half of the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish.
8. Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
9. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the creamy layer.
10. Add the remaining spaghetti, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
11. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
12. Cover loosely with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until bubbly and lightly golden.
13. Rest 10 minutes, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if baking from cold.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked, tightly wrapped, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Cottage cheese (blended) can replace ricotta.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat covered in oven or microwave until hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Tips & Variations
- Lighter option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim ricotta.
- Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully.
- Extra cheesy: Add provolone or an Italian cheese blend.
- Veggie boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~520 | ~28g | ~45g | ~26g | ~4g | ~780mg |
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning easy dinners for the week, this creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti is a reliable favorite you’ll come back to again and again.