If you’re searching for a dish that combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the rich creaminess of a baked casserole, look no further than the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This dish is the perfect blend of cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness—ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. What makes this recipe extra special is the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, which adds a decadent, creamy texture to every bite.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or serving it to impress guests, this casserole lives up to its “million-dollar” name. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheesy goodness make it an irresistible comfort food. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time!
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this indulgent dish.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
To make the perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, you will need:
For the Meat Sauce
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
For the Pasta Layer
- 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti noodles
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but tender).
- Drain the noodles and toss with a few slices of butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the jar of spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add the remaining half of the spaghetti noodles on top of the cheese layer.
- Pour the meat sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella, if using) over the entire casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Cut the casserole into portions and serve hot.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Pair with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
- Use quality spaghetti sauce for the best flavor. If you have time, make a homemade marinara sauce for an even richer taste.
- For extra cheesiness, layer more mozzarella or provolone cheese before baking.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven.
- Customize it: Add cooked Italian sausage for a deeper, spicier flavor, or mix in chopped spinach for a nutritious twist.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a dish that truly lives up to its name. The combination of creamy cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a showstopper at any dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or serving it for a special occasion, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
With its hearty layers, creamy texture, and gooey melted cheese, this baked pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food. Try it today and experience the magic of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!