Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

When you’re craving something indulgent and delicious, there’s no better choice than a Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This dish combines the comfort of pasta with rich, creamy cheese layers, flavorful ground beef, and savory marinara sauce. It’s an upgraded twist on traditional spaghetti that will have your family asking for seconds!

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the simple steps to make this casserole, give you some tips for variations, and explain why it’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or even meal prepping for the week.

Why is it Called Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

This casserole earns its “Million Dollar” title because it feels like a million bucks when you take a bite. The rich layers of cheese and sauce create an elevated pasta experience that tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make. You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy this meal, but it certainly makes you feel like one!

Not only does it taste luxurious, but it also serves a crowd—perfect for feeding large families or hosting dinner parties. Plus, the ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a go-to recipe for those looking to whip up something special without breaking the bank.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, here’s a quick list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this heavenly casserole:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb of spaghetti
1 lb of ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 jar of marinara sauce (24 oz)
1 block of cream cheese (8 oz), softened
1 cup of ricotta cheese
1 cup of sour cream
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. This recipe can be broken down into three main components: cooking the spaghetti, preparing the creamy cheese mixture, and layering everything together in the casserole dish for baking.

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and set it aside. You can toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and minced garlic. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This layer is what gives the casserole its rich and decadent texture.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, it’s time to layer everything in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish:

Start by placing half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
Add the entire creamy cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
Pour the rest of the meat sauce over the second layer of spaghetti.
Finally, top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey, melted finish.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an added pop of flavor and color. Slice into generous portions and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Casserole

Make it Ahead of Time: This dish can easily be prepped in advance. Assemble the casserole the night before and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven for a hassle-free dinner.
Try Different Cheeses: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A sharp cheddar or provolone can add a new dimension to the flavors.
Use Italian Sausage: For a spicier version, swap out the ground beef with hot or mild Italian sausage. It adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and pasta.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and load the casserole with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.

Nutrition and Serving Information

This casserole is indulgent, but you can adjust portions to fit your dietary needs. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 600-700 kcal (depending on portion size and ingredient brands)
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 35g
Sodium: 900mg

With hearty servings like these, this dish makes about 8 portions, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re a fan of easy weeknight dinners or you’re hosting a family gathering, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a winner. It’s packed with comforting, rich flavors and textures that everyone loves. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or refrigerator.

This casserole also freezes well, so if you have leftovers (or you want to make an extra batch), simply wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a delicious meal.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a pasta bake—it’s an experience. It brings together the best of Italian-inspired flavors, cheesy goodness, and hearty pasta in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

So next time you’re planning dinner, skip the traditional spaghetti and opt for this elevated, ultra-comforting version instead. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.