If you’re looking for a comfort food dish that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the recipe you need. This dish has earned its name thanks to its rich, creamy, and flavorful ingredients, making it a surefire hit for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a potluck, or even a holiday gathering, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Best of all, it’s adjustable—you can tweak the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or use what you have on hand. Let’s dive into why this casserole has become a go-to meal and how you can make it your own!
What Makes Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole So Special?
At its core, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole combines hearty pasta with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness, and savory tomato sauce. It’s similar to baked ziti but with a twist that takes it over the top. The key ingredients are ricotta cheese, sour cream, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, which gives the dish its signature richness and flavor.
The layers of tender spaghetti and gooey cheese make for a satisfying meal, and the casserole can be easily prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Key Ingredients
The beauty of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole lies in its simplicity, but you can easily make it your own. Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version:
- Spaghetti: The base of the casserole, perfectly cooked to create that comforting pasta texture.
- Ground beef or sausage: For a savory, meaty layer. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or even go vegetarian with a plant-based alternative.
- Tomato sauce: This adds flavor and moisture, creating a classic pasta sauce base.
- Ricotta cheese: A creamy, slightly sweet cheese that adds richness to the casserole.
- Sour cream: For an added creamy texture and tang.
- Mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that creates the perfect cheesy top layer.
- Parmesan cheese: A bit of sharp, nutty flavor that adds depth to the dish.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper for seasoning the sauce and meat.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat, then add in the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
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In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of pasta, followed by a layer of the meat sauce, then a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set.
Adjusting the Recipe to Your Preferences
While the classic version of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is certainly a crowd-pleaser, one of the best things about this dish is how adjustable it is. Here are a few ways you can customize it:
- Meat-Free Option: Substitute the ground beef or sausage with your favorite plant-based meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Lovers: Feel free to use different cheeses to enhance the flavor. Adding provolone, cheddar, or a bit of goat cheese can create even more layers of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the meat sauce if you like a little heat in your dishes.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta, and you have a gluten-free version of this delicious casserole.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb diet, use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of regular pasta for a lighter version.
A Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
The beauty of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is its versatility. You can easily make it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even large family gatherings. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that always gets rave reviews from everyone at the table.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Its combination of cheesy goodness, savory flavors, and easy prep makes it a staple in any kitchen.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s an adaptable, crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to fit any palate or occasion.
Whether you stick with the classic recipe or make your own creative twist, this casserole is sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation. Quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, it’s the kind of meal that brings people together and leaves everyone satisfied. So, why not give it a try at your next gathering or family meal? You’ll be glad you did!
