Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the beloved flavors of spaghetti and cheese into a single, hearty dish. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Its creamy layers and rich marinara sauce make it a standout meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of marinara sauce, cheeses, and ground beef creates a mouthwatering taste that will keep you coming back for more.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this casserole can be assembled quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with a salad and bread for a complete meal that suits any gathering.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to delight kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family gatherings or parties.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole in advance and bake it when ready, saving time on your busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes all the difference when preparing Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Gather your equipment before you start cooking to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish or two 8×8 inch baking dishes
• Large pot for boiling spaghetti
• Stand mixer
• Skillet for sautéing meat
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for blending cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream effortlessly.
• Large pot: Necessary for cooking spaghetti evenly while preventing clumping.
• Baking dish: Ensures even baking and easy serving of your delicious casserole.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 2 lb jar of marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 lb ground beef

For the Casserole Layers

• 16 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheese

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease either a 9×13 inch baking dish or two 8×8 inch dishes with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a stand mixer, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef with chopped onion until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add this mixture to the jar of marinara sauce; stir well.

Step 5: Layer the Noodles

Place half of the boiled noodles at the bottom of your greased baking pan.

Step 6: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the noodles.

Step 7: Spread Cream Cheese Mixture

Layer over the noodle base with your prepared cream cheese mixture.

Step 8: Top with Remaining Noodles

Add the remaining half of your cooked spaghetti noodles on top of the cream cheese layer.

Step 9: Add Marinara Sauce

Spread the marinara sauce mixed with ground beef evenly over everything in the pan.

Step 10: Bake Initial Time

Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes.

Step 11: Add Shredded Cheese

Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheese on top after initial baking time. Return to oven for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 12: Serve

Allow to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing into squares and serving hot. Enjoy your delightful Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Serving Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole can be a delightful experience for family and friends. This cheesy, hearty dish is perfect for any occasion and can be paired with various sides to enhance its flavors.

Casual Family Dinner

• A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
• Garlic bread makes a great side for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.

Potluck Gatherings

• Offer it in individual portions for easy serving at potlucks.
• Pair with a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.

Weeknight Meals

• Serve with steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
• Add some crusty bread to make it more filling.

Game Day Feast

• Provide a variety of dips like ranch or marinara for extra fun.
• Pair with chips or nachos for a casual snack vibe.

Romantic Dinner

• Dress the table with candles and serve with a glass of red wine.
• Include a light appetizer like bruschetta to start the evening right.

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How to Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

To ensure your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh or homemade marinara sauce elevates the flavor significantly.
• Don’t overcook noodles: Cook spaghetti until al dente; they will cook further in the oven.
• Layer properly: Ensure even layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Let it rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving; this helps it set and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try mixing different types of cheese for varied flavors—mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar work well.
• Add veggies: Incorporate sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added nutrition and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Pairing sides with your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese provides a classic touch.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into marinara sauce.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the casserole.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms – These savory bites can be filled with cheese and herbs, making them an ideal appetizer or side.
6. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella balls, basil, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze make a light side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the grease: Not greasing your baking dish properly can lead to sticking. Always use a non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy removal.
• Overcooking noodles: Cooking spaghetti too long makes it mushy in the casserole. Follow package instructions closely and aim for al dente.
• Ignoring layering: Failing to layer ingredients properly can affect even cooking. Be sure to layer noodles, sauce, and cheese thoughtfully for best results.
• Not checking seasoning: Neglecting to season your meat mixture can leave your casserole bland. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cream cheese or cottage cheese can lead to lumps in the mixture. Allow them to come to room temperature for easier blending.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Use a freezer-safe container for best results.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months before baking.

Reheating Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that combines spaghetti with marinara sauce, ground beef, and layers of delicious cheeses.

Can I customize Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers or substitute different types of cheese based on your preference.

How do I make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, you can replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable-based marinara sauce.

Can I prepare Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its versatility allows for various ingredient swaps, so feel free to get creative! Try this recipe today for a comforting meal everyone will love.