Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
A Rich, Cheesy Comfort Dish That Lives Up to Its Name
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels luxurious without being complicated. It combines classic spaghetti and meat sauce with a decadent layer of creamy cheese, then bakes it all together until bubbly and golden. The result is a hearty casserole that tastes indulgent, filling, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
What Makes It “Million Dollar”
The magic of this dish lies in the creamy middle layer. A blend of cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a rich, velvety texture that transforms ordinary spaghetti into something special. When baked, the layers meld together, giving every bite a balance of savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the spaghetti and sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Marinara or spaghetti sauce
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning
For the creamy cheese layer
- Cream cheese, softened
- Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- Sour cream
For topping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and set aside. Slightly firm pasta works best, as it will continue cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the meat sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Break it up as it cooks so the texture stays even. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes so the flavors come together. Remove from heat.
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