Introduction

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, offering a satisfying twist on classic spaghetti with an irresistible baked finish.

A square piece of layered spaghetti casserole sits on a white plate, showing a base layer of cooked spaghetti mixed with ground beef and tomato sauce, followed by a middle layer of more spaghetti and beef mixture, all topped with a melted white cheese layer sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The dish looks hearty and gooey, with strands of spaghetti sticking out naturally from the sides. In the background, a white casserole dish partially filled with the same spaghetti bake is visible on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz. dried spaghetti
2 x 24 oz. jars pasta sauce (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion (peeled and diced)
4 garlic cloves (peeled and finely diced or minced)
1 pound ground beef
3 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 oz. ricotta cheese
8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
3 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Cook the dried spaghetti according to the packet directions. Drain, mix with one jar of the pasta sauce, and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, until softened. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the onion mixture. Cook, stirring and breaking up any lumps with the back of a spoon, until no longer pink. Stir in the Italian seasoning and the remaining jar of pasta sauce. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
Step 5: Spread 1/2 cup of the meat sauce over the base of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the spaghetti mixture. Spoon over the cheese mixture and gently spread it out.
Step 6: Top the cheese mixture with half of the remaining meat sauce, then the remaining spaghetti, and finally the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a sharper taste.
Fresh basil can be added to the parsley for a fresh herbal touch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (180°C) oven until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white rectangular casserole dish filled with a three-layer baked spaghetti casserole, where the bottom layer is a rich tomato and meat sauce with bits of browned ground beef, the middle layer is spaghetti pasta mixed with the sauce, and the top layer is melted golden cheese sprinkled with fresh green parsley. The cheese layer is slightly browned and bubbly with strings of cheese stretching as a large piece is being lifted by a black spatula held by a woman's hand, showing the dense and saucy texture inside. The dish is placed on a wooden table with some grated cheese and parsley scattered around, and two pieces of toasted garlic bread blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

A simple green salad and garlic bread pair wonderfully to balance the richness of the casserole and make a complete meal.