Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
40 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Calories
583 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole features cooked spaghetti tossed with half the marinara sauce, layered in a baking dish along with a creamy mixture of cottage or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella. Italian sausage cooked with onions, garlic, and seasoning is combined with the remaining sauce and spread over the pasta layers. Butter slices are placed atop the layers to add richness as the casserole bakes at 350°F. The result is a creamy, saucy baked pasta with well-seasoned sausage and melted cheese throughout.
The casserole offers a combination of tender spaghetti intertwined with a cheesy, creamy texture and savory sausage pieces. Baking helps meld these flavors and yields a comfort food dish with a golden top when mozzarella and butter melt. The use of both cottage and cream cheese lightens the cheese layer, offering a smooth consistency contrasting the meatiness of the sausage and acidity of the marinara.
This baked spaghetti dish works well for a filling dinner and can be paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Preparing it in advance and refrigerating allows the flavors to meld before baking, making it practical for busy schedules. Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for several days and reheated with care to maintain creaminess.
Adding red pepper flakes can enhance the dish with subtle heat, and switching the sausage to ground beef or turkey should be balanced with extra seasoning. Allowing the casserole to come to room temperature before baking helps ensure even cooking, and increasing baking time slightly when baking cold from the fridge will produce a fully heated dish.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ pounds Italian sausage casing removed
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- 48 ounces marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce, 2 jars, divided
- 8 ounces cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
- ½ cup butter cut into slices, divided, optional
- parsley and parmesan cheese for garnish, optional, chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain well and return the pasta to the original pot. Add 24 oz of prepared spaghetti sauce and toss to combine. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add sausage and 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning to skillet, and cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Add the remaining 24 oz of spaghetti sauce to skillet. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- Place half the slices of butter (if using) in a 9x13 baking dish. Spread half of the spaghetti in the dish, then top with the cheese mixture. Spread the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture. Top with the remaining butter slices (if using). Pour tomato meat sauce evenly over top.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the casserole is heated through, about 35-45 minutes.
- Rest 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for sausage; increase seasoning accordingly.
- Optionally add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
- Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours ahead; let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- When baking a chilled casserole, add 15 minutes to baking time for thorough heating.
- Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 583 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 583 | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 826mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 337mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 745IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 2.5mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 209mg | 21% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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