Rich & Cheesy Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying baked pasta dish that elevates traditional baked spaghetti. Layers of soft spaghetti, a rich cheese blend, and flavorful meat sauce create a comforting meal that everyone enjoys. It’s an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want a dependable crowd-pleaser.
Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti noodles | 1 pound |
| Spaghetti sauce | 1 jar (about 24 oz) |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Cottage cheese | 16 ounces |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Butter, melted | 2 tablespoons |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup (or to taste) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
How to Make Million-Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready once the casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Beef
Boil the spaghetti following the package instructions, then drain thoroughly. While the noodles are still warm, mix them with the melted butter and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, then drain off the excess fat.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce and Cheese Layer
Add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef and stir until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and well mixed.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the spaghetti noodles across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti on top, then pour the meat sauce mixture evenly across the surface.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole is hot and bubbly. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
