Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
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.