Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Few meals can satisfy the entire family like a rich, cheesy casserole, and one that truly stands out is the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This dish brings together the familiar comforts of spaghetti, the richness of creamy cheeses, and the heartiness of savory ground beef in one baked masterpiece. Easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe will quickly become a staple at your dinner table.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about making Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: from a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, step-by-step instructions for cooking, tips for customization, and even suggestions for making vegetarian and healthier versions. By the time we’re through, you’ll not only be a pro at making this casserole but will understand why it’s earned its “million-dollar” name.

Why Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a Must-Try

There are countless baked pasta dishes, but Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole stands above the rest due to its unbeatable combination of flavors and textures. Here’s why this dish has gained such a loyal following:

1. Creamy, Cheesy Layers: The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese creates a luscious, velvety filling that sets this dish apart from traditional baked spaghetti.
2. Rich Meat Sauce: Ground beef simmered with savory spaghetti sauce adds a hearty, flavorful element that balances the creaminess of the cheese layer.
3. Buttery Spaghetti: Tossing the spaghetti with melted butter adds richness and ensures that the noodles stay soft, moist, and flavorful, even after baking.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole can feed a large family or group, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or meal-prepping.
5. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences—swap in different cheeses, add vegetables, or make a vegetarian version. The possibilities are endless!

Now, let’s dive into how to create this delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole.

Ingredients: Building the Perfect Casserole

Each layer of the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole plays an important role in making this dish unforgettable. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they’re essential:

1 lb Ground Beef

The main protein in this casserole, ground beef adds a savory, meaty texture to the dish. You can use lean beef to reduce fat content or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier option.

1 Jar (24 oz) Spaghetti Sauce

The sauce binds the entire dish together. Using a store-bought jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce keeps things simple, but you can always opt for homemade sauce for extra flavor. Choose a variety that complements the richness of the cheese mixture, such as a marinara or meat sauce.

8 oz Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the star of the cheese layer, giving the dish its signature creamy, tangy richness. It blends well with the other cheeses, creating a luxurious texture.

¼ Cup Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a subtle tang and smooth consistency to the cheese mixture. It helps balance out the richness of the cream cheese and makes the filling ultra-creamy.

½ lb Cottage Cheese (1 Cup)

Cottage cheese may seem like an unconventional addition, but it adds a lightness and subtle flavor to the casserole. It’s a common ingredient in layered casseroles and ensures a smooth, creamy filling.

½ Cup Butter (1 Stick)

Melted butter is mixed with the cooked spaghetti, adding richness and helping to keep the noodles soft and flavorful after baking. Buttered noodles are the base of the dish, making every bite indulgent.

1 Package (16 oz) Spaghetti

Spaghetti serves as the foundation of the casserole. You’ll cook the noodles until al dente (firm but cooked through) before layering them with the other ingredients. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly during baking.

1½ Cups Grated Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese sprinkled on top creates a bubbly, golden-brown crust that finishes the casserole. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Making this delicious casserole may seem like a daunting task, but the steps are simple, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. Here’s how to make it from start to finish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. Overcooking the noodles can make them too soft in the casserole, so aim for firmness.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

After draining, stir in 1 jar of spaghetti sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures a rich, savory meat sauce.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese Layer

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, and ½ lb (1 cup) cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended. This cheesy filling is what makes the casserole so rich and indulgent.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to layer all the components of the casserole:

1. Melt ½ cup of butter and toss it with the cooked spaghetti until the noodles are fully coated.
2. In your greased baking dish, spread half of the buttered spaghetti evenly across the bottom.
3. Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer, making sure to cover the pasta evenly with the creamy filling.
4. Add the remaining buttered spaghetti on top of the cheese mixture, spreading it out to cover the entire dish.
5. Pour the prepared meat sauce over the top, spreading it to cover the surface.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle 1½ cups of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a melty, golden topping once baked.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Customizing Your Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

One of the best things about the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for making this recipe your own:

Add More Flavor to the Sauce

Want to take your meat sauce to the next level? Try adding extra seasonings such as:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes (for some heat)
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley

These seasonings will give the sauce more depth and make it even more flavorful.

Experiment with Different Cheeses

While cheddar cheese adds a sharp, rich flavor to the casserole, you can switch things up by using other types of cheese. Consider using:

• Mozzarella: For a stretchy, melty layer on top.
• Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that pairs well with the meat sauce.
• Provolone: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully.
• A blend of cheeses: Using a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a rich, complex topping.

Make It Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or omit the meat entirely. You can also add hearty vegetables to create a more substantial filling. Try including:

• Mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Spinach

These vegetables will not only add flavor but also boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Healthy Substitutions

Looking for a healthier take on this indulgent dish? Here are a few ways to lighten it up:

• Use whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta for a higher-fiber, lower-carb option.
• Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
• Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat sour cream to reduce calories and fat content.
• Incorporate more vegetables, like diced zucchini or spinach, to add volume and nutrition without extra calories.

Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better in the casserole and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
• Drain the beef thoroughly: Too much fat will make

You might like also: