Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole 🍝💰
The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup – Lasagna Meets Spaghetti!
This creamy, cheesy, meaty spaghetti bake is called “Million Dollar” for a reason—it tastes rich, indulgent, and totally irresistible! Layers of tender pasta, savory beef, and a luscious cream cheese filling make this casserole a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Next-level spaghetti – Way better than plain pasta!
✔ Creamy & cheesy – The secret is the cream cheese layer.
✔ Feeds a crowd – Perfect for potlucks or meal prep.
✔ Kid-approved – Picky eaters go crazy for it.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce (or homemade marinara)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced
- 16 oz spaghetti noodles
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella blend)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Meat (15 mins)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer 5 mins.
2. Make the Creamy Layer (5 mins)
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
3. Assemble the Casserole (5 mins)
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer:
- ½ spaghetti → ½ butter slices → cream cheese mixture → remaining spaghetti → remaining butter.
- Pour meat sauce evenly over top.
- Sprinkle with cheddar & Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake to Bubbly Perfection (30 mins)
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 mins until cheese is melted.
- Broil 2-3 mins for a golden top (optional).
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let rest 5 mins before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Pro Tips
🍝 Extra flavor – Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
🧀 Cheesy upgrade – Use a 3-cheese blend for the topping.
🥖 Perfect pairing – Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 28g |
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly for up to 2 months (thaw before reheating).
- Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners or gatherings!