Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of spaghetti with a rich, creamy sauce and a golden, cheesy topping, making it a family favorite across many households. This casserole is renowned for its ease of preparation and versatility, offering a satisfying one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The origins of this recipe can be traced back to mid-20th century America when casseroles gained immense popularity for their convenience and ability to feed large families using simple, affordable ingredients. Over time, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole has evolved with various regional twists, incorporating different cheeses, meats, and seasonings, but its essence remains a crowd-pleaser that delivers both comfort and flavor.
The main ingredients typically include spaghetti pasta, ground beef, cream cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, and shredded cheese, which come together to create a luscious, creamy, and cheesy baked dish. Each component plays a crucial role: the pasta provides a satisfying base, ground beef adds hearty protein and depth, cream cheese and sour cream contribute to the dish’s creamy texture, while the tomato sauce infuses a tangy richness. The generous layer of shredded cheese on top melts into a golden crust during baking, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. To prepare this casserole, cook the spaghetti until just tender, brown the ground beef with seasoning, then mix the beef with cream cheese, sour cream, tomato sauce, and cooked pasta. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. For the perfect casserole, ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness after baking, and use full-fat dairy for optimal creaminess and flavor. Mixing the cheese evenly and covering the dish while baking helps maintain moisture. Variations include adding sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, or substituting ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan to enhance the taste and texture.
For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat dairy options, and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Nutritionally, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats, providing energy and satiety, though it can be high in calories and saturated fats depending on the ingredients used. It can be adapted to meet dietary needs by adjusting portion sizes and ingredient choices. Frequently asked questions include how to store leftovers (in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days), the best way to reheat (covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through), and tips for freezing (freeze before or after baking in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months).
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. To make the meat sauce, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain most of the grease, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent. Stir in all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce (reserve the remaining ½ cup for later) and combine well. Set this mixture aside. For the noodles, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and transfer the hot pasta to a large mixing bowl; toss it with the butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce until well combined. Next, prepare the cheese layer by mixing together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth. To assemble the casserole, pour half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then evenly spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Layer the remaining noodles on top, followed by the meat sauce, spreading it out evenly. Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Around 20 minutes in, check the cheese; if it’s browning too fast, cover the dish loosely with foil. After baking, let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set. Enjoy!