The Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar spaghetti casserole that promises to dazzle every dinner plate.

Layers of cheesy goodness blend perfectly with hearty meat sauce and tender pasta.

Childhood memories of classic family meals dance alongside gourmet culinary creativity in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Rich cream cheese creates a velvety base that elevates each forkful into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners will never feel mundane once you experience this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort should definitely bookmark this recipe.

Prepare to become the dinner hero with just a few easy ingredients and simple steps.

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish, setting it aside for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add and cook onions until they become translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté briefly. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles while browning.

Step 3: Season and Sauce the Beef

• Italian seasoning
• Marinara sauce

Blend thoroughly and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil spaghetti in salted water, cooking 3 minutes less than the package’s al dente instructions. Drain the pasta and mix with a cup of Marinara sauce.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Garlic powder
• Remaining Italian seasoning

Mix until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Begin layering in the baking dish by spreading half the spaghetti evenly.

Spread the cheese mixture over the first pasta layer. Top with remaining spaghetti.

Cover with the beef and sauce mixture. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the top turns golden brown. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Tips to Nail Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Every Time

• Undercook spaghetti slightly to prevent mushy texture when baking, ensuring perfect al dente consistency after final cooking in the oven.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and prevent a soggy casserole bottom, maintaining a rich and robust flavor profile.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to create smooth, lump-free cheese layers that blend seamlessly throughout the dish.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella for superior melting and golden-brown top, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that impact melting quality.
• Let casserole rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make serving easier, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to stabilize.

Flavor Variations to Enhance Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles or lentils, maintaining the same spice profile and sauce consistency for a meatless alternative.
• Gluten-Free Zucchini Swap: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles, using gluten-free marinara and ensuring all ingredients meet gluten-free standards for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Use cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets instead of spaghetti, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, cheesy flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, add chopped spinach, and use oregano and basil to transform the casserole with a Greek-inspired flavor palette.

Pairings That Go Well With Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Select a robust red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and tomato sauce, cutting through the creamy cheese layers with its acidity and tannins.
• Serve garlic breadsticks or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the soft casserole.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy casserole, adding brightness and cutting through the rich, cheesy layers with its peppery, tangy notes.
• Offer chilled Italian-style sparkling water or a light beer like Peroni to refresh the palate between bites of the hearty, robust casserole.

Storage Tips to Keep Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Freeze: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label container with date to track freshness.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for cheese crisp.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even warming throughout dish.

FAQs

• Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills. Even beginner home cooks can easily follow the step-by-step instructions without feeling overwhelmed.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese and ricotta, choosing lean ground meat, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value. Whole wheat spaghetti is also a great alternative to traditional pasta.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole freezes wonderfully.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Rich and Savory Classic

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Transforms classic spaghetti into a decadent, cheesy casserole that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its rich, layered flavors.
• Master Multiple Cooking Techniques: Combines sautéing, boiling, and baking skills in one recipe, helping home cooks expand their culinary repertoire without feeling overwhelmed.
• Customize with Ease: Offers flexibility to swap ground beef with turkey, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Stress-Free Entertaining Solution: Prepares a hearty meal that looks impressive, feeds a large group, and can be assembled ahead of time, making dinner parties and family gatherings a breeze.

Ingredients Needed to Prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Ground Beef: A lean meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein to the casserole.
• Cream Cheese: A soft cheese that adds creamy texture and richness to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: A smooth Italian cheese that contributes to the casserole's creamy consistency.

• Spaghetti Noodles: A classic pasta that forms the foundational layer of the casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: A traditional tomato-based sauce that adds depth and classic Italian flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a golden, gooey topping for the casserole.

• Olive Oil, Onions, Garlic: Essential ingredients that build a flavor base and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt: Herbs and spices that provide balanced and complementary seasoning to the casserole.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Million dollar spaghetti casserole brings comfort and indulgence to family dinners. Hearty layers of pasta, ground beef, and creamy cheeses create a satisfying meal that delights diners from first bite to last.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (freshly grated)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (divided for use)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese (brought to room temperature)
• 1/2 cup onions (diced finely)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (divided for use)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Kosher salt (adjusted to preference for the pasta water)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coat a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic and cook briefly. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into small fragments while browning thoroughly.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef. Return meat to pan and blend with Italian seasoning and Marinara sauce. Mix completely and set aside.
4. Cook spaghetti in salted water, reducing cooking time by 3 minutes from package instructions for al dente. Drain pasta and toss with 1 cup of Marinara sauce.
5. Blend cream cheese, ricotta, garlic powder, and remaining Italian seasoning in a bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
6. Layer half the spaghetti in the prepared baking dish. Spread cheese mixture evenly over the first pasta layer. Cover with remaining spaghetti.
7. Distribute seasoned beef and Marinara sauce across the top layer. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the entire casserole.
8. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese turns golden brown. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes to enhance color, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Perfectly undercook pasta by boiling 3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushy texture during baking.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, healthier version of this hearty casserole.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option that maintains similar flavor profiles.
• Enhance dish’s nutritional value by mixing in finely chopped spinach or zucchini into the cheese layer for added vegetables without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 474 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 506 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 86 mg