1. Home
  2. Main Dishes
  3. Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines savory meat sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and tender spaghetti noodles, all baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese on top.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base for the casserole.
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce: Adds a rich and savory tomato flavor.
  • 8 oz cream cheese: Creamy and tangy, it enhances the casserole’s richness.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream: Blends with the cream cheese to add a smooth texture.
  • 1/2 lb cottage cheese: Gives a mild, creamy flavor to the cheese mixture.
  • 1/2 cup butter: Adds richness to the layers of noodles and cheese.
  • 1 pkg spaghetti (16 oz): The pasta that forms the foundation of the dish.
  • Grated cheddar cheese: Topped at the end for a delicious melted finish.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Pin it
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole | Myhomemaderecipe.com

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines creamy layers of cheese, tender spaghetti, and rich meat sauce, making it a favorite for family dinners and gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb ground beef: Adds a hearty and savory flavor to the casserole.
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce: The base of the meat sauce, providing rich tomato flavor.
  • 8 oz cream cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy layer.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream: Blends with the cream cheese for extra creaminess.
  • 1/2 lb cottage cheese (1 cup): Gives the dish a slightly lighter, creamy texture.
  • 1/2 cup butter (1 stick): Adds richness to the spaghetti layers.
  • 1 pkg spaghetti (16 oz): The main ingredient, forming the pasta base for the casserole.
  • Grated cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a cheesy, melted topping.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the spaghetti noodles until they are al dente (firm but not hard). Drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and mix the cooked beef with the spaghetti sauce. Stir to combine well and set aside.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring the ingredients are well blended.
Step 4:
Place a few slices of butter in a 9×13 pan. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti noodles evenly over the butter slices.
Step 5:
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layer of noodles. This will create a rich, creamy layer in the casserole.
Step 6:
Top the cream cheese layer with the remaining spaghetti noodles, and add a few more slices of butter on top.
Step 7:
Pour the spaghetti and meat sauce mixture evenly over the top layer of noodles.
Step 8:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After baking, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven, with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • For leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
  • This dish can also be frozen before baking. Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Helpful Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or ground sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor.
  • Feel free to use other types of cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan if you prefer a different cheesy topping.
  • This casserole is great for meal prep and can be divided into portions for easy reheating during the week.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Joanna Gaines recommends using a combination of cream cheese and sour cream for the perfect creamy layer.
  • Many chefs suggest letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to settle and the flavors to blend.

Spaghetti Casserole

A delicious casserole made with layers of spaghetti, a creamy cheese mixture, savory meat sauce, and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Ingredients

01 1 lb ground beef.
02 1 jar spaghetti sauce.
03 8 oz cream cheese.
04 1/4 cup sour cream.
05 1/2 lb cottage cheese (1 cup).
06 1/2 cup butter (1 stick).
07 1 pkg spaghetti (16 oz).
08 Grated cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Boil the spaghetti noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well blended.

Step 04

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain well, and mix with the spaghetti sauce.

Step 05

Place a few slices of butter into a 9×13 pan. Layer half of the spaghetti noodles on top.

Step 06

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.

Step 07

Add the remaining noodles on top of the cream cheese mixture. Dot with a few more slices of butter.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  1. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
  2. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese adds a rich and creamy layer to the casserole.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40g
  • Protein: 25g