The Ultimate Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets luxury in this mouthwatering million dollar spaghetti casserole that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Layers of rich, creamy goodness blend perfectly with hearty pasta and savory meat.

Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible crust that beckons you closer.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like gourmet celebrations with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weekends or busy evenings call for something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

I bet you’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

FAQs

• What makes Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole different from regular spaghetti?

This dish layers spaghetti with multiple cheese types like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creating a richer, more decadent pasta experience compared to traditional spaghetti.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein alternative. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

Drain excess fat after cooking meat and use a thicker marinara sauce to reduce liquid. Also, let the meat sauce simmer to reduce moisture before layering.

Why Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Steals the Show

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Satisfy everyone's hunger with this hearty, cheesy spaghetti casserole that brings together classic Italian flavors in one delicious dish.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Layer ingredients quickly and let the oven do the hard work, creating a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Perfect for Family Gatherings: Impress relatives and friends with a show-stopping main course that's both filling and incredibly tasty, ideal for potlucks and dinner parties.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform basic pantry staples into a mouthwatering meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing, with simple step-by-step layering technique.

Ingredients That Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Great

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Rich and flavorful meats that provide a robust protein base for the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and savory notes to the meat sauce.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato sauce that brings traditional Italian flavor to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and additional tomato richness to the meat sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a luxurious layer between the pasta and meat sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melting cheeses that provide gooey texture and sharp, salty flavor.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden topping to the casserole.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the entire dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Get a large pot of water boiling. Toss in the spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender but still firm.

Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Brown Meat

Introduce ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet.

Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Let the meat brown beautifully, then drain off any extra grease.

Step 4: Create Sauce

Pour marinara sauce and diced tomatoes into the meat mixture. Let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 5: Layer First Base

Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread half of the cooked spaghetti across the bottom in an even layer. Spoon half of the rich meat sauce over the pasta.

Step 6: Add Cheese Layer

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Repeat Layers

• Spaghetti
• Meat sauce
• Cheeses

Step 8: Top and Bake

Scatter breadcrumbs over the top.

Add an extra handful of mozzarella cheese for extra golden deliciousness. Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns bubbly and golden brown. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the casserole.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting and serving up this comfort food masterpiece.

Tips to Nail Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Every Time

• Aim for al dente texture by boiling spaghetti just until tender with a slight bite, preventing mushy casserole layers.
• Create even cheese and sauce distribution by carefully spooning and spreading ingredients across each layer for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Remove extra grease from browned meats to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and maintain a lighter, more appetizing dish.
• Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top during final minutes of baking for a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds delicious texture.
• Allow casserole to sit 5 minutes after baking, helping layers set and making cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.

Creative Twists on Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, and lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and swap some marinara with roasted red pepper sauce to create a more intense, Mediterranean-inspired casserole.

Best Pairings for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Select a robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese layers.

Serve an ice-cold Italian-style lager or pilsner that cleanses the palate and balances the hearty casserole’s intensity.

Prepare a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, fresh contrast against the heavy, savory casserole.

Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the dish to add a light, aromatic touch that elevates the overall flavor profile and brings a Mediterranean essence to the meal.

How to Keep Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, covering tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming. Add splash of water to prevent drying.