This Easy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a comforting dish filled with layers of spaghetti, cheese, and savory meat. It’s like a warm hug for your tummy!
Who doesn’t love a meal that you can prep and bake without making a mess in the kitchen? I love serving it with a simple salad for a family dinner—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This recipe calls for regular spaghetti, but you can switch to whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Both options will work well!
Ground Beef: While I love using ground beef for its flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese adds creaminess, but if you’re watching calories, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute. It keeps the texture smooth while adding a protein boost!
Cheddar & Mozzarella: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use provolone for a mellower flavor. Any shredded cheese you love can work.
How Can I Ensure My Casserole Layers Stay Perfect?
Building layers in your casserole is key for flavor and texture! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with the spaghetti coated in cream cheese to help it hold shape.
- When adding the meat sauce, make sure to distribute it evenly to every corner of the dish for consistent flavor.
- Don’t skip the foil covering during the first baking to keep things moist. Remove it later for a bubbly cheese topping!
By following these layering steps, your casserole will look just as good as it tastes!
Easy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 30 minutes of preparation and 35 minutes of baking time. Just a little over an hour, and you’ll have a comforting dinner that’s perfect for the whole family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready!
First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Next, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes—just enough time to get it perfectly tender. Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set it aside.
3. Brown the Meat
Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft—about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your casserole from becoming too greasy.
4. Add the Sauce
Time for some flavor! Stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer on low for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
5. Mix the Creamy Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a fork or a hand mixer to make it smooth. This is what will make your casserole creamy and delicious!
6. Combine the Spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti to the cream cheese mixture and stir until everything is well coated. You want each noodle to soak up that creamy goodness!
7. Layer It Up!
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture in the bottom of your greased baking dish. Then, layer half of the meat sauce on top, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. It’s going to be cheesy and amazing!
8. Repeat the Layers
Now, it’s time to repeat the layers! Add the remaining spaghetti mixture, followed by the rest of the meat sauce. Finally, top it all off with the remaining shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses—so much cheese!
9. Bake the Casserole
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to get that cheese all bubbly and golden.
10. Cool and Serve
Once it’s done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the casserole set up a bit, making it easier to cut into pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color if you like!
Now dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!
FAQ for Easy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, shell, or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a meat alternative such as lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic as you would the beef!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it! Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.