Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that tastes like a million bucks? This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the perfect baked pasta dish — rich, cheesy, hearty, and absolutely family-approved. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and spaghetti all baked together until golden and bubbly, it’s no wonder this recipe is a weeknight favorite!

Why It’s Called “Million Dollar” Spaghetti

This dish gets its name because it tastes rich, indulgent, and luxurious, even though it’s made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients. It combines the creamy goodness of baked pasta with the flavorful punch of a hearty meat sauce, topped off with melty cheese. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s worth every calorie.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for a full 9×13 casserole:

1 lb ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) of spaghetti sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
1/2 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
8 oz spaghetti noodles
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning

‍ How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Add spaghetti sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream (if using), and cottage cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the dish.
Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Pour the meat sauce over everything.
Top with cheddar cheese and mozzarella if using.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add veggies like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach to the meat sauce.
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey.
Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving for extra flavor.

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