If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This dish brings together tender spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all baked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and loved by both kids and adults alike.
This casserole is called “million-dollar” for a reason—it tastes like a million bucks! The layers of creamy cheese mixed with savory meat sauce make this recipe a must-try for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef – Ground beef is the base of the savory meat sauce.
- 1 jar of spaghetti sauce – Use your favorite jarred spaghetti sauce for convenience, or make your own homemade version.
- 8 oz cream cheese – Creamy and rich, this helps give the casserole its signature texture.
- ¼ cup sour cream – Sour cream adds a tangy, rich flavor that balances the cream cheese.
- ½ lb cottage cheese (equals 1 cup) – Cottage cheese makes the filling creamy and light.
- ½ cup butter (1 stick) – Slices of butter are placed between the layers to add richness and flavor.
- 1 pkg spaghetti (16 oz) – Cooked until al dente for the perfect texture.
- Grated cheddar cheese – The melted cheddar on top adds the final cheesy touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Cook the Spaghetti
Boil the spaghetti noodles in salted water until they are al dente, meaning they should be firm but not too soft. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside for later assembly.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth. This mixture will create a creamy, cheesy layer inside the casserole that’s both rich and delicious.
4. Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess fat, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to fully combine the flavors.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Layer 1: Butter and Noodles
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place a few slices of butter on the bottom of the dish. Next, add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles, spreading them evenly over the butter.
Layer 2: Cream Cheese Mixture
Take the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the layer of noodles. This creates a luscious, creamy middle layer that will melt into the pasta as it bakes.
Layer 3: Noodles and Butter
Add the remaining half of the spaghetti noodles on top of the cream cheese layer. Place a few more slices of butter on top of these noodles to add richness as the casserole bakes.
Layer 4: Meat Sauce
Finally, pour the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture over the top layer of noodles. Spread the sauce evenly to cover all the noodles.
6. Bake the Casserole
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to start melting.
7. Add the Cheddar Cheese
After 30 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is fully melted and golden, remove the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect for feeding a large group, and you can pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
1. Rich and Creamy Layers
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese creates an irresistibly creamy middle layer that sets this casserole apart from traditional spaghetti dishes. It’s like a baked lasagna but with a lighter, more velvety texture.
2. Savory and Flavorful
The layers of ground beef mixed with rich spaghetti sauce infuse the noodles with deep, savory flavors. The butter adds an extra richness to the dish, while the melted cheddar cheese on top brings everything together in cheesy perfection.
3. Easy to Prepare
Even though this casserole looks and tastes like a gourmet dish, it’s surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty, satisfying dinner on the table in no time.
4. Great for Leftovers
This casserole stores well and tastes just as good—if not better—the next day. It’s a perfect meal to make ahead of time and reheat for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
1. Use Al Dente Noodles
Make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente. This ensures that the noodles don’t become mushy after baking in the oven, and they maintain a firm texture that complements the creamy filling.
2. Customize Your Cheese
While cheddar cheese is a delicious topping, feel free to mix it up with other cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
3. Make It Ahead
This casserole can easily be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble the layers, cover the dish with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this casserole is so good!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Leftovers: You can also freeze portions of the casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Conclusion: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Classic
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is everything you want in a comforting, family-friendly meal. With layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a dish that’s sure to please. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this casserole is bound to become a household favorite.