Are you tired of your weekly spaghetti night feeling uninspired? Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as rich in flavor as it is easy on the wallet? The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. It brings together tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a luxuriously creamy cheese layer—all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a potluck, this dish delivers comfort and wow factor in every bite.
Let’s dive into the full recipe, including keto-friendly tweaks, useful tips, and answers to common questions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To serve approximately 8 people:
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. Drain excess grease.
Add the Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the cooked meat mixture. Stir to combine well. Let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Mix the Cream Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth and well-blended. This rich mixture gives the casserole its signature “million-dollar” creaminess.
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in an even layer.
- Spoon and spread the entire cream mixture over the noodles.
- Top with another layer of meat sauce.
- Add the remaining spaghetti noodles.
- Finish with the remaining meat sauce.
Top with Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil for a fragrant, golden finish.
Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Low-Carb and Keto Variations
If you’re watching your carbs or following a keto lifestyle, this dish is still within reach. Just make the following substitutions:
- Replace spaghetti noodles with spiralized zucchini (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles.
- Use sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil, oregano, and olive oil.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Reduce the portion size of onions or opt for green onions for fewer carbs.
The result? A deliciously creamy, savory casserole that stays within your macro goals without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with:
- A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or Italian dressing
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks (skip this for keto)
- Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts for a veggie boost
- A chilled glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercook it before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Add vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in more nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a little kick.
- Double the recipe: Make one for now and freeze one for later.
- Rest before slicing: Let it sit after baking for clean, well-formed servings.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the unbaked or baked casserole for up to 3 months. For best results, wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?
Yes. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed. If frozen after baking, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Can I substitute the pasta with a different kind?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni also work well, but cooking times may vary. Avoid very delicate pastas, as they may fall apart during baking.
What other cheeses can I use?
If mozzarella or Parmesan isn’t your favorite, try provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend. Just be sure they melt well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Is this casserole spicy?
Not by default. It’s kid- and crowd-friendly, but you can easily spice it up with chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy sausage in the meat mixture.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a comfort food—it’s a reliable, affordable, and seriously satisfying dish that earns its name with every cheesy, saucy bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or surprising guests with a hearty dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Its versatility also means you can easily adapt it to different dietary needs, use up ingredients you already have, and customize it with your favorite flavors. So grab your baking dish, turn on the oven, and prepare to impress with this melt-in-your-mouth classic.