4.9 from 1,139 votes
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole combines spaghetti, Italian sausage, and a mix of three cheeses with marinara sauce for a hearty baked dish. The casserole layers pasta coated with sauce, a creamy cheese blend including cream cheese and cottage or ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese, creating a rich and comforting texture. Butter slices layered in the casserole add moistness during baking. This dish is an ideal family meal that can be prepared ahead and baked, offering comforting flavors and a satisfying texture.
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
12
servings
Calories:
583 kcal
Course:
Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 12 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 583
% 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.