When comfort food calls, few dishes answer quite like Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. It’s hearty, cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor—making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner option for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy weeknight meal. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, a velvety cream cheese blend, and a golden topping of melted cheese, this casserole earns its “million dollar” title and then some.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this luxurious baked spaghetti dish to life:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or substitute with ricotta cheese)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), sliced
- 16 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 to 1½ cups grated cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, or a combination)
Preparation
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), about 8–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage or ricotta cheese
Stir until smooth and creamy. This layer adds the “million dollar” richness and helps balance the tangy tomato sauce with velvety texture.
4. Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Add 1 jar of spaghetti sauce to the beef and simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Assembling the Casserole
1. Layer the Butter and Noodles
Slice ½ cup of butter into thin pats and place several at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles over the butter.
2. Spread the Cheese Mixture
Evenly spread the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese blend over the bottom layer of noodles.
3. Add the Second Noodle Layer
Top with the remaining spaghetti noodles, followed by the rest of the butter slices.
4. Pour the Meat Sauce
Spoon the meat and tomato sauce mixture over the top of the noodles, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake the Casserole
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
The Cheesy Finale
After the initial baking:
- Remove the foil.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of grated cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend) over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and makes serving easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Multi-layered richness: The contrast between tomato-meat sauce and creamy cheese layers is unforgettable.
- Customizable: Swap beef for sausage, turkey, or meatless crumbles; adjust cheese varieties to your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance and bake just before serving.
- Freezer-safe: Perfect for meal prep—wrap and freeze before or after baking.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers into the meat sauce.
- Low-Carb: Substitute spaghetti with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on sauces and cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Steamed veggies or roasted asparagus
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
Q: What cheese works best for the topping?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, but Parmesan, provolone, or even a blend of Italian cheeses can add depth and richness.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q: Is there a way to lighten this dish?
You can use low-fat cheeses, lean ground turkey or chicken, and whole wheat or veggie-based pasta for a lighter version.
Q: What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a great substitute with a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something special. It brings together the heartiness of a traditional baked pasta with the indulgent, layered textures of a creamy lasagna—all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal, prepping for guests, or freezing meals ahead, this casserole delivers every time.
Warm, comforting, and packed with cheesy goodness—this is more than just a dinner. It’s a recipe to be passed down, requested often, and remembered fondly. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to a million-dollar flavor tonight.