Short Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta bake that combines tender spaghetti, a hearty meat sauce, and a luscious cream cheese mixture. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy – A combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese makes every bite indulgent.
• Hearty & Satisfying – Loaded with ground beef and spaghetti sauce for a filling meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and bake when ready.
• Crowd-Pleasing – Great for potlucks, family gatherings, and busy weeknights.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ lb cottage cheese (1 cup)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), divided
• 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti

Directions

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the spaghetti sauce to the beef and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Cooking the Spaghetti:

1. Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and toss with half of the butter (¼ cup) to prevent sticking.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish.
3. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti.
4. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
5. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
6. Melt the remaining butter (¼ cup) and drizzle over the top.

Baking:

1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add Cheese Topping – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Vegetarian Option – Substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
• Extra Meaty – Add cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta cheese works as a great substitute for cottage cheese.

What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti?

It pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

How do I make this dish less rich?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne or rotini work well in place of spaghetti.

Why is my spaghetti casserole dry?

Be sure to use enough sauce, and don’t overbake.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Toss the cooked spaghetti with butter or a little olive oil before assembling.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or make two casseroles.

Can I make this recipe without meat?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef or replace it with plant-based crumbles.

How do I prevent the cheese mixture from being too thick?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today for a comforting and satisfying meal!

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy layers with a hearty meat sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s rich, indulgent, and tastes like a million bucks! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 lb cottage cheese (1 cup)

For the Pasta Layer:

• 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), sliced

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta & Meat Sauce:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and toss with butter slices until coated.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

5. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

6. Spread half of the spaghetti in the baking dish.
7. Layer with the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
8. Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
9. Pour the meat sauce over the top layer.
10. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake & Serve:

11. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

• Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred.
• Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later.