Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is rich, cheesy and very comforting. This dish feels special but is easy to make. It mixes pasta, meat sauce and a creamy cheese layer.
Many families love this casserole for busy nights. Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is perfect for gatherings too. It feeds many people easily.
In this guide, you will learn How to make Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole step by step. You will also see the full Ingredients for Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.
My Experience With This Recipe
I made this casserole for a weekend dinner. I wanted something filling and cozy. The smell while baking was amazing. The cheese melted beautifully.
The spaghetti stayed soft and creamy. Everyone asked for seconds. I liked how easy it was to prepare. Now, I make it often for guests. It always gets happy reactions.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 540 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients You Need for Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
- Spaghetti pasta – 16 ounces
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Onion, chopped – 1 small
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Marinara sauce – 24 ounces
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Cream cheese, softened – 8 ounces
- Sour cream – ½ cup
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – 2½ cups
- Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
1. Cook the spaghetti
Boil spaghetti in salted water. Cook until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare meat sauce
Heat oil in skillet. Add beef and onion. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
3. Add garlic and spices
Add garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for one minute.
4. Add marinara sauce
Pour marinara sauce into skillet. Stir well. Simmer five minutes on low heat.
5. Make creamy mixture
Mix cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta and one cup mozzarella until smooth.
6. Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
7. Layer the spaghetti
Spread half spaghetti into dish. Add half meat sauce evenly on top.
8. Add creamy layer
Spread all creamy cheese mixture evenly over the sauce layer.
9. Finish layers
Add remaining spaghetti. Top with remaining meat sauce evenly.
10. Add final cheese
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
11. Bake casserole
Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
12. Brown the top
Remove foil. Bake 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden.
13. Rest before serving
Let casserole rest five minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Cook pasta al dente for best texture.
- Use full-fat cheese for rich flavor.
- Let cream cheese soften before mixing.
- Rest casserole before cutting slices.
- Add red pepper flakes for mild heat.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe hot from the oven. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Garlic bread pairs very well.
A fresh green salad adds balance. This dish works for family dinners. It is also great for potlucks and parties.
Best Sides To Serve With
Garlic bread is a classic side. Caesar salad adds crunch. Steamed broccoli balances richness. Roasted vegetables work well. A light soup can complete the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in fridge for four days. Freeze portions for two months. Reheat in oven for best taste. Cover with foil to keep moist. Microwave works for quick meals.
Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- Spaghetti pasta – 16 ounces
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Ground beef – 1 pound
- Onion chopped – 1 small
- Garlic minced – 2 cloves
- Marinara sauce – 24 ounces
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Cream cheese softened – 8 ounces
- Sour cream – ½ cup
- Ricotta cheese – 1 cup
- Mozzarella cheese shredded – 2½ cups
- Parmesan cheese grated – ½ cup
- Fresh parsley chopped – 2 tablespoons
Instructions
Cook the spaghetti
- Boil spaghetti in salted water. Cook until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare meat sauce
- Heat oil in skillet. Add beef and onion. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Add garlic and spices
- Add garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Stir and cook for one minute.
Add marinara sauce
- Pour marinara sauce into skillet. Stir well. Simmer five minutes on low heat.
Make creamy mixture
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta and one cup mozzarella until smooth.
Preheat oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
Layer the spaghetti
- Spread half spaghetti into dish. Add half meat sauce evenly on top.
Add creamy layer
- Spread all creamy cheese mixture evenly over the sauce layer.
Finish layers
- Add remaining spaghetti. Top with remaining meat sauce evenly.
Add final cheese
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake casserole
- Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Brown the top
- Remove foil. Bake 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden.
Rest before serving
- Let casserole rest five minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente for best texture.
- Use full-fat cheese for rich flavor.
- Let cream cheese soften before mixing.
- Rest casserole before cutting slices.
- Add red pepper flakes for mild heat.
FAQs about Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe
Can I make Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it early. Cover and refrigerate. Bake later with extra baking time.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken works well. It gives lighter taste. Cook fully before adding sauce.
Why is this recipe called million dollar?
The creamy cheese layer makes it rich. It tastes luxurious and very comforting.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, skip the meat. Add mushrooms, spinach or zucchini instead.
How do I stop the casserole from drying out?
Do not overbake. Use enough sauce. Cover with foil while baking.
Conclusion
Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe is rich and comforting. It is easy and filling. This guide explained How to make Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole clearly.
The Ingredients for Creamy Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole are simple and affordable. Try it once. It will become a favorite family meal.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
