When it comes to comfort food classics, few dishes are as rich, hearty, and family-friendly as Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Imagine layers of tender spaghetti, creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and a golden, bubbling topping that brings it all together. This dish has earned its “million dollar” name because it tastes like a luxurious indulgence, yet it’s simple and budget-friendly enough to enjoy on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole never fails to impress.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
1 pound spaghetti – The base of the casserole. Cooked al dente, it soaks up the flavors of the sauce without turning mushy.
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage) – Provides the hearty, savory foundation. Beef offers richness, while sausage adds a flavorful, slightly spiced kick.
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce – Infuses the casserole with deep tomato flavor and ties everything together. Opt for a high-quality sauce or homemade for the best results.
8 oz cream cheese (softened) – Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, creating that “million-dollar” flavor profile.
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta – Enhances creaminess and provides a light, cheesy layer that balances the richness.
1/2 cup sour cream – Gives a smooth, velvety texture while cutting through the heaviness of the meat and pasta.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, ensuring gooey layers and a golden topping.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
2 tablespoons butter – Used to grease the baking dish and add richness to the pasta layers.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings aromatic notes of basil, oregano, and thyme to complement the sauce.
Salt & black pepper (to taste) – Enhances and balances all the flavors.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a drizzle of butter to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to deepen the flavor.
4. Mix the creamy layer: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream until smooth and well-blended.
5. Layer the casserole:
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared dish.
Top with the entire cream cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti layers.
Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
7. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
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Why This Recipe is Loved
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy, comforting layers.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the casserole the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday dinners.
Budget-friendly luxury: Despite its indulgent taste, the ingredients are affordable and easily available.
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Pro Tips for the Perfect Million Dollar Spaghetti
Use al dente pasta so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
Let the cream cheese fully soften before mixing—it blends more smoothly.
Try a sausage-beef mix for more flavor depth in the meat sauce.
Make it ahead and freeze for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight and bake.
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition without losing flavor.
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Serving Suggestions
To create a complete meal, pair this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole with:
A crisp Caesar salad or fresh garden salad.
Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
A glass of red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti) to complement the rich flavors.
A light dessert such as lemon bars or fruit salad to balance the heaviness of the dish.
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Conclusion
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole proves that comfort food can be both simple and irresistible. With its creamy layers, savory meat sauce, and bubbling cheese topping, every bite feels indulgent. It’s a dish that brings people together around the table, delivering both flavor and comfort in one pan. If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to pre
pare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress, this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
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