Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Delicious Comfort Food
When you think of comfort food, there are few dishes as satisfying as a hearty casserole, and Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect blend of rich flavors and creamy textures. This casserole, with its layers of savory meat, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, has earned its “million dollar” name due to its decadence and undeniable deliciousness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish to impress at a gathering, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation steps, tips for making the perfect casserole, and how to store it for future enjoyment. This dish is not only easy to prepare but can also be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you will need a combination of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its affordability and the fact that you likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and fridge.
Serves 6-8 people
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried basil (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for sautéing
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color
- Extra grated Parmesan for topping
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
Making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is easy and involves layering the ingredients to create a comforting, cheesy masterpiece. Let’s break down the process step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef and Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. The fat in the sausage will add extra flavor, but if you’re using lean ground beef, you may want to drain any excess grease.
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing them until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the marinara sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
While the sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the creamy, cheesy mixture that will be layered in the casserole. In a large bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir them together until smooth and creamy. This is the base that will add a luxurious texture to the casserole and make it “million dollar” worthy!
Once the mixture is smooth, stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Set this aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While the sauce and creamy mixture are preparing, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring you cook them al dente. This will help them hold up better during the layering process and prevent them from becoming too soft once baked. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time for the fun part—assembling your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the casserole starting with half of the cooked spaghetti at the bottom. Spread it out evenly.
Next, top the spaghetti with half of the creamy cheese mixture, spreading it evenly across the pasta. Follow this with half of the meat sauce you made earlier, again spreading it evenly over the cheese mixture.
Repeat this layering process with the remaining spaghetti, followed by the rest of the creamy cheese mixture, and top with the remaining meat sauce.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once all the layers are in place, top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and become golden and bubbly as it bakes, creating a delicious, cheesy crust on top.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to set before cutting into it. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for an added burst of flavor.
Serve the casserole hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Tips for the Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Use Italian Sausage for Extra Flavor: While ground beef is a classic option, using Italian sausage will take this dish to the next level with its added herbs and spices. It pairs wonderfully with the marinara sauce and adds more depth to the flavor profile.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the casserole, make sure to cook it al dente. Overcooking the pasta beforehand will cause it to become mushy once it’s baked.
- Mix Up the Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are the go-to choices for this dish, feel free to get creative with the cheeses. A blend of sharp cheddar, provolone, or even fontina can add additional flavors and textures to the casserole.
- Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole is great for making ahead. You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven, or increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version of this casserole, omit the meat and replace it with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add some ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese before baking. This will create a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole stores and reheats wonderfully.
- Refrigerating: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the casserole cool completely before covering it.
- Freezing: This dish also freezes well. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutritional Information
While Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is undeniably rich and indulgent, it’s important to keep in mind its nutritional content, especially if you’re serving it to a crowd.
A typical serving of this casserole (1/6th of the recipe) contains:
- Calories: ~400-500 calories per serving (depending on the choice of meat and cheese)
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, consider using reduced-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and cheese, or opt for a leaner meat like ground turkey or chicken.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a fantastic, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or preparing it for a potluck, this dish is sure to impress. With layers of creamy cheese, savory meat, and tender pasta, it’s comfort food at its finest. Don’t forget to save leftovers—they only get better with time!
Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!
