If there’s one dish that embodies comfort, indulgence, and a perfect family dinner all in one, it’s Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. As the name suggests, this isn’t your average spaghetti dish—it’s layered with creamy cheeses, rich meat sauce, and buttery pasta, baked until golden and bubbly. Think of it as the love child of lasagna and baked spaghetti, but with less fuss and a whole lot more flavor.
This casserole is budget-friendly, easy to assemble, and can feed a crowd, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or Sunday gatherings. Let’s dive into the recipe, step-by-step, and explore tips, variations, and serving ideas to make this dish truly shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into making this indulgent casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz, store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ lb cottage cheese (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick, sliced)
- 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti
- 1–2 cups grated cheddar cheese (or mozzarella/Italian blend)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil spaghetti noodles until al dente (firm but tender).
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
- This will create the luscious, creamy layer that makes this casserole unique.
Step 3: Cook the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce, mixing well.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Place a few slices of butter on the bottom.
- Spread half of the spaghetti noodles evenly over the butter.
- Pour and spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Layer the remaining spaghetti noodles over the creamy mixture.
- Dot the noodles with the remaining slices of butter.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading evenly.
Step 5: Bake
- Place casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Remove, sprinkle the top generously with grated cheddar cheese, and return to oven for 15 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
- Serve hot with garlic bread and a fresh salad.
Why It’s Called “Million Dollar” Spaghetti
The name comes from the luxurious taste and texture—the creamy cheese layer combined with buttery pasta and savory meat sauce creates a rich, indulgent dish that feels extravagant, even though it’s made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Tips for Success
- Use al dente pasta: Prevents the noodles from becoming mushy during baking.
- Soften cream cheese fully: Makes it easier to mix with cottage cheese and sour cream.
- Add seasoning to taste: While the jarred sauce works fine, a pinch of Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder can elevate the flavor.
- Cheese variations: Swap cheddar with mozzarella for stretchier cheese pulls, or add Parmesan for extra sharpness.
Variations
- Meat Lovers: Add Italian sausage or bacon crumbles to the beef.
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes, hot Italian sausage, or diced jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is rich on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – to soak up that extra sauce.
- Green Salad – crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and Italian dressing to balance the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for added nutrition.
- Wine Pairing – a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot enhances the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave single portions until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed.
2. Can I substitute cottage cheese?
Yes. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, use ricotta cheese for a smoother texture.
3. What pasta works best?
Traditional spaghetti is classic, but you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
4. Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Absolutely! A rich marinara or bolognese will make the dish even more flavorful.
5. How do I prevent it from being greasy?
Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) and drain any excess fat before adding the sauce.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that tastes like a million bucks. It’s creamy, cheesy, meaty, and comforting—everything you’d want in a baked pasta dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd, freezing ahead, or serving as the star of your dinner table, this casserole is a must-try recipe for pasta lovers.
One bite, and you’ll see why it truly deserves its name.