This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy and loaded with flavor! This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️It’s easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.
✔️It freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time and have an easy meal ready when needed.
✔️It’s budget-friendly and makes enough for leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- spaghetti noodles
- ground beef
- onion
- marinara sauce
- canned diced tomatoes
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- ricotta cheese
- mozzarella cheese
- parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, spray a 9x13 casserole baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Drain grease, add diced onions and garlic, and cook for a few minutes until the onion is soft. Add all of the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, just al dente. Drain and rinse.
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta in a bowl and mix well.
- Pour half of your spaghetti noodles into the prepared baking dish, and add half of the meat sauce.
- Spoon the cheese layer on top of the sauce.
- Repeat layers - Top with remaining noodles. Add the rest of the meat sauce and smooth into an even layer. Top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil, place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, remove the foil, and continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Remove and let rest for 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Serve warm.
Equipment
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- casserole dish
- large skillet
- large pot or dutch oven
- aluminum foil
- large bowl
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FAQ's
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely and then wrap in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Leftover spaghetti is great because the sauce and noodles have had time to meld together and become even more flavorful. It's also a great way to enjoy yesterday's dinner in a totally new way!
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if desired.
Deb's tips
- Because you are adding this dish back to oven to bake, make sure that you only cook your pasta to al dente.
- I like to top this dish with fresh parsley for a bit of color and flavor.
- If you are looking for an extra cheesy version, add more mozzarella or parmesan cheese.
Variations
- If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese makes a great substitute!
- Try adding additional vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a vegan option, substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use your favorite marinara sauce to customize this casserole.
- You can add Italian sausage or ham to this dish if you'd like!
Storage
Refrigerate - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer - This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and heat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Reheat - To reheat, place in a preheated 350°F oven until heated which will take about 20 minutes. Make sure to cover it with foil if the cheese is getting too brown. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes.
Related recipes
- If you love hearty casseroles like this one, then you will want to check out these Easy Chicken Casserole recipes. You are guaranteed to find something your whole family will love.
- The next time you are in the mood for a recipe that only requires a few basic ingredients check out this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. It's hearty, and comforting and the entire family will love it.
- The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is filled with yummy flavors, it's so saucy and cheesy!
- I don't know about you, but my family love mexican recipes, and this Taco Spaghetti recipe is always a crowd favorite.
Serve with
- You can never go wrong with serving a pasta dish like this one with a side of Air Fryer Garlic Bread. It's crispy on the outside and oh so flavorful in the middle.
- One of my favorite side dishes to serve with this million dollar casserole is a side salad like this Greek Salad recipe.
- End this easy weeknight dinner with a sweet treat like these No Bake Oreo Balls.
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If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounce package of uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 19 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces of cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅔ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley if desired.
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, spray a 9x13 casserole baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef. Drain grease, add the diced onions, and cook for a few minutes until the onion is soft. Add all of the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes to the meat mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, just al dente. Drain and rinse.
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta in a bowl and mix well.
- Pour half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish, and add half of the meat sauce.
- Spoon the cheese layer on top of the sauce.
- Top with remaining noodles. Add the rest of the meat sauce and smooth into an even layer. Top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil, place in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, remove the foil, and continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Remove and let rest for 15 minutes. Serve warm.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
Debbie
Can leftovers be frozen in individual portions?
Bowl Me Over
Yes, freeze in an airtight container. Leftovers freeze well, enjoy the casserole Debbie!
Reid
This is a very tasty dish but you're going to use almost every pot and pan in your kitchen. Lots of dishes to do after dinner.
Rosie
You forgot the garlic in ingredient list but mentioned it in instructions.
Bowl Me Over
My apologies Rosie, I did not use garlic in this recipe and have removed it from the instructions. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.