Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort-food dinner, combining tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a creamy cheese filling in one delicious baked dish. Layers of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese give this casserole its signature richness, while melted cheddar creates a golden, cheesy finish.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this hearty casserole brings together familiar ingredients to create a satisfying dish everyone will want to enjoy again.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef	1 pound
Spaghetti sauce	1 jar
Cream cheese	8 ounces
Sour cream	¼ cup
Cottage cheese	½ pound (about 1 cup)
Butter	½ cup (1 stick)
Spaghetti	1 package (16 ounces)
Grated cheddar cheese	As desired

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
3. Prepare the creamy filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
4. Brown the ground beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the spaghetti sauce until thoroughly combined.
5. Layer the first half of the pasta: Cut the butter into thin slices and distribute some across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading it evenly.
6. Add the cheese filling: Spoon the creamy cheese mixture over the spaghetti and spread it into an even layer.
7. Finish the pasta layer: Arrange the remaining spaghetti over the cheese filling. Distribute the remaining butter slices across the top.
8. Add the meat sauce: Pour the beef and spaghetti sauce mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
9. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the layers to heat through and the flavors to blend.
10. Add the cheddar cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the desired amount of grated cheddar over the top. Return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
11. Rest and serve: Let the casserole stand for 5–10 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this rich spaghetti casserole with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Steamed broccoli or green beans also make excellent sides that balance the creamy, cheesy layers.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions securely or store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for the best quality.
• Reheat: Warm portions in the microwave or cover the casserole with foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole transforms classic spaghetti ingredients into a rich, layered baked meal that’s ideal for sharing. With its creamy center, savory beef sauce, and melted cheddar topping, it’s a comforting recipe worth keeping in your regular dinner rotation.