Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

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Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — a cross between baked ziti and lasagna but even easier to make! Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked spaghetti come together to create a dish that tastes like it’s worth a million bucks. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to feed a crowd — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead freezer meals.

Ingredients For Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

For the Pasta Layer

  • 1 pound (450g) spaghetti

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or Italian sausage)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or spaghetti sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup sour cream

For the Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

  2. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti until al dente. Drain, then toss with melted butter, beaten eggs, and Parmesan. This helps the pasta hold together during baking.

  3. Prepare the meat sauce:

    • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.

    • Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

  4. Mix the creamy filling: Combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.

  5. Assemble the casserole:

    • Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the baking dish.

    • Top with the cheese filling.

    • Add half of the meat sauce.

    • Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti and meat sauce.

  6. Add the topping: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.

  7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  8. Rest & serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can use half ground beef, half Italian sausage for more flavor.

  • Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter texture.

  • Make it ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.

  • Freezes beautifully — just thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Tips

  • Don’t overcook the spaghetti — it will continue to cook in the oven.

  • Layer carefully so every bite has cheese, pasta, and sauce.

  • Use a deep dish — this recipe makes a generous portion.

  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.

Servings

🍽️ Serves 8–10 generous portions

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 520 kcal

  • Protein: 28 g

  • Carbohydrates: 34 g

  • Fat: 30 g

  • Saturated Fat: 16 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sodium: 860 mg

  • Sugar: 6 g

Benefits

✅ Protein-packed: Ground beef and cheese provide plenty of protein for energy.
✅ Comforting & filling: Perfect for family meals or to satisfy big appetites.
✅ Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
✅ Customizable: Swap ingredients to make it lighter or vegetarian.

Q & A

Q: Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 48 hours before baking.

Q: Can it be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.

Q: What’s the best cheese combo?
A: Ricotta for creaminess, cream cheese for richness, and mozzarella for that gooey top layer.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes — just use your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and cook until al dente.

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Pair with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

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