Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
There’s nothing like gathering around a hearty casserole that turns an ordinary meal into a celebration. This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole combines perfectly cooked spaghetti, a rich, savory meat sauce, and a blend of melty cheeses—all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is a true comfort food classic that will make every bite feel special. Trust me, you’re in for a real treat!
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Versatile
Great as a filling main course for weeknight dinners or for special occasions where comfort meets indulgence.
Budget-Friendly
A mix of simple, everyday ingredients creates a gourmet meal that won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy
From prep to bake, this recipe is straightforward, making it a perfect option for busy nights.
Customizable
Tweak the meat or add extra veggies and different cheeses to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
This casserole is a surefire hit with its rich flavors and melty, cheesy goodness—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible—a blend of classic Italian flavors with a cheesy twist:
Spaghetti Noodles
The hearty base that holds all the flavors together.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
Provides a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
Onion and Garlic
Aromatic essentials that build a flavorful foundation.
Tomato Sauce
A robust and tangy element that ties the dish together.
Diced Tomatoes
Adds a fresh burst of acidity and texture.
Cheddar Cheese
For that sharp, melty punch of flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese
Brings a gooey, stringy texture that makes every bite comforting.
Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle for an extra savory, umami kick.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Olive Oil
For sautéing and adding richness.
Salt and Pepper
To season and balance the flavors perfectly.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the casserole bakes evenly and develops a golden top.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti noodles in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside; they’ll continue to absorb flavors in the casserole.
Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
Create the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so that the flavors meld together beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the meat sauce until every strand is well coated. Mix in half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for an extra creamy touch.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pasta and meat mixture into a greased baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Dish out generous portions and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that make this dish truly million-dollar worthy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve with garlic bread or a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night when you need a little comfort on your plate.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the meat sauce and pasta mixture ahead of time; assemble and bake just before serving.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Crispier Top: For a crunchy topping, add a light dusting of breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape.
2. What meat should I use if I don’t like beef?
Italian sausage is a great alternative, or you can mix different meats for varied flavor.
3. Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
Absolutely—simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
4. How do I know when the pasta is done?
Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will finish cooking in the casserole.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Make sure to cool completely and store in an airtight container.
6. What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can make your own blend with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
7. How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce.
8. Is it necessary to pre-mix cheese into the pasta?
It adds creaminess to mix half in; however, you can opt to use all cheese as a topping if preferred.
9. Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, though using full-fat cheese enhances the creaminess and flavor of the dish.
10. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensure you don’t overbake it and consider covering with foil for the first half of baking if needed.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—a perfect blend of hearty pasta, savory meat sauce, and melty cheeses that transforms dinner into an occasion. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s destined to become a family favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite and savor the warmth of home-cooked goodness!
PrintMillion Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that layers perfectly cooked spaghetti with a rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy topping. Ideal for family gatherings or potluck dinners, it delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Baking
- Method: American
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks; drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Let the meat sauce simmer for 10 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti evenly. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti.
- Dollop the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheeses.
- Top the casserole with breadcrumbs and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Let rest for 5 minutes for easier slicing.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, substitute the Italian sausage with extra ground beef.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors and improve the texture.
- Feel free to add extra Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
