Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

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Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite

When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, few dishes compete with the rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This baked pasta dish layers tender spaghetti, velvety cheeses, and a bold, meaty marinara sauce into a bubbling, golden casserole that tastes like it cost a fortune—but it’s made with affordable pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a potluck, this dish earns rave reviews every time.

Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Is a Must-Try

  • Budget-friendly yet indulgent: It tastes luxurious without breaking the bank.
  • Kid-approved and freezer-friendly: A hit with picky eaters and perfect for meal prep.
  • Layered for maximum flavor: Creamy cheese, savory meat, and perfectly cooked pasta in every bite.
  • Feeds a crowd: One casserole pan serves 8–10 people easily.

Ingredients: A Rich and Flavorful Lineup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping cheesy casserole:

  • 1 lb ground beef – Adds hearty protein and richness.
  • 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce – Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara.
  • 8 oz cream cheese – For an ultra-creamy layer.
  • ¼ cup sour cream – Adds tang and smooth texture.
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese – Brings a mild, creamy contrast to the meat sauce.
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter – Used to coat the pasta and flavor the casserole.
  • 16 oz spaghetti noodles – Cooked al dente for the perfect base.
  • 1–2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or a mix) – Melts into gooey perfection.

Optional additions: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, or a dash of red pepper flakes for extra zing.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Assemble the Perfect Million Dollar Casserole

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until just al dente—about 8 minutes. Drain and toss the hot pasta with half of the butter (¼ cup). This keeps the noodles from sticking and adds delicious flavor.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Add the spaghetti sauce to the meat and stir to combine. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage or ricotta cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. This decadent blend gives the casserole its signature richness.

5. Assemble the Layers

Layering is key to the “million dollar” experience. Here’s how to do it:

  • First Layer: Add half of the buttered spaghetti to the bottom of the baking dish.
  • Second Layer: Spread the entire cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  • Third Layer: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese.
  • Fourth Layer: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the entire casserole.
  • Final Layer: Sprinkle generously with grated cheese.

For best results, use a mix of mozzarella for meltability and parmesan or cheddar for sharpness.

6. Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it set.

Serving Tips and Pairings

  • Serve with: Garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Garnish with: Fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness.
  • For spice lovers: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage instead of plain ground beef.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezer Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the entire casserole in advance (up to 2 days), then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10 minutes of baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.

Freezing Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes beautifully. Wrap the assembled (unbaked or baked) casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Why Families Love Million Dollar Spaghetti

This dish isn’t just comfort food—it’s a time-saving lifesaver that brings people together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a Sunday dinner, you can count on this cheesy baked pasta to please every palate. And thanks to the clever layers, every bite is loaded with flavor and texture.

The best part? It tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left.

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