The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe Ever Made

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering million dollar spaghetti casserole that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.

Rich layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese blend into a decadent masterpiece.

Every forkful delivers pure culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This hearty dish combines classic ingredients in an unexpected and irresistible way.

The recipe transforms simple components into a crowd-pleasing meal that feels luxurious without breaking the bank.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore this indulgent creation that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Prepare to be amazed by this easy-to-make casserole that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Everyone Will Love

• Breeze Through Preparation: Super simple recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a quick and delicious seafood meal.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Cod is a lean protein packed with essential nutrients, making this dish a healthy option for families seeking balanced and wholesome meals.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe that allows for personalization with different herbs, spices, or side dishes to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight cooking, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Rich Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the casserole.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: A creamy blend that creates a smooth, tangy base layer for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a golden, bubbly topping.

• Spaghetti Noodles: The classic pasta that forms the foundation of this comforting casserole.
• Spaghetti Sauce: A flavorful sauce that adds moisture and taste to the meat layer.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.

Cooking Instructions for Hearty Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti noodles until they reach al dente texture.

Drain and set aside for later assembly.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Mix until the ingredients are completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to drain excess fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and set aside.

Step 5: Layer the First Spaghetti Base

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 6: Add Creamy Cheese Layer

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of spaghetti, spreading it uniformly to cover the noodles completely.

Step 7: Create the Top Spaghetti Layer

Add the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cream cheese mixture.

Dot the surface with additional butter slices.

Step 8: Pour Meat Sauce

Spread the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture evenly over the top layer of noodles.

Step 9: First Baking Session

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the casserole is heated through.

Step 10: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole!

Tips for Creating the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Boil spaghetti just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain ideal noodle consistency.
• Remove excess grease from ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming too oily and watery.
• Spread cream cheese mixture carefully to ensure every bite has a creamy, rich flavor throughout the dish.
• Use butter slices to create a golden, crispy edge and add extra richness to the casserole.
• Watch the final cheese topping closely to achieve that perfect golden-brown, bubbly melted cheese finish.

Flavorful Variations to Elevate Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that's packed with nutrients.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and use a tomato sauce with herbs like oregano and basil for a Greek-style transformation.

Pairings That Complement Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty spaghetti casserole. The wine's acidity cuts through the creamy cheese layers while enhancing the savory beef sauce.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic elements will balance the heavy, creamy casserole and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic Herb Breadsticks: Prepare warm, crusty breadsticks seasoned with garlic and herbs. These will help soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal, making each bite more satisfying.

Storage Guidelines to Keep Spaghetti Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed properly, the casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when the casserole reaches steaming hot temperature.

FAQs

• What makes this casserole different from traditional spaghetti dishes?

This casserole combines creamy cheese layers with meat sauce, creating a rich and indulgent twist on classic spaghetti that feels more like a comforting lasagna.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy layers and meaty sauce, making it a perfect family dinner that’s both delicious and satisfying.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner cooks?

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is surprisingly simple to make, requiring basic cooking skills like browning meat and mixing ingredients, making it an excellent recipe for novice cooks.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole brings comfort and indulgence to family dinner tables. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese create a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts, promising deliciousness you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound cottage cheese (1 cup)

Dairy:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 package spaghetti (16 ounces)
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole.
2. Cook spaghetti noodles until they reach a tender yet firm al dente texture, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
3. Create a smooth, creamy base by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until completely integrated.
4. In a skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef, draining excess fat, then blend with spaghetti sauce.
5. Generously butter the baking dish, then arrange the first layer of cooked spaghetti noodles across the bottom.
6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the initial noodle layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Add the remaining spaghetti noodles atop the cream cheese layer, strategically dotting with additional butter pieces.
8. Cascade the seasoned meat and spaghetti sauce mixture over the top noodle layer.
9. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and casserole to heat thoroughly.
10. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the casserole and return to oven for 15 more minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
11. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving this comforting, rich pasta dish.

Notes

• Boost flavor by adding garlic or Italian herbs to the ground beef while browning for extra depth.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.
• Use low-fat dairy options like reduced-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese to create a lighter version without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 553
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 660 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg