Meta Info
Servings: 8–10
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: ~520 kcal
Intro
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of comfort food done right. It takes everything people love about classic spaghetti and turns it into a rich, baked casserole layered with creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of melty goodness.
The magic is in the middle layer — a smooth blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese that melts into the pasta as it bakes. The result is indulgent, cozy, and perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking the fridge with leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.
If you want a dinner that feels nostalgic, filling, and unapologetically satisfying, this is the one.
Look at the Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy center layer that stays rich and soft
- Hearty meat sauce baked into tender spaghetti
- Crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for family dinners
Ingredients Needed
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (½ lb)
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), sliced
- 16 oz spaghetti
- Grated cheddar cheese (to taste)
How to Make Our Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
-
Preheat & Cook Pasta
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Boil spaghetti until al dente, drain, and set aside. -
Make the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and well combined. -
Prepare the Meat Sauce
Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain excess fat, then stir in spaghetti sauce. Set aside. -
Layer the Casserole
- Place a few slices of butter in a 9×13 baking dish
- Add half of the spaghetti
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles
- Add the remaining spaghetti
- Top with remaining butter slices
-
Add Sauce & Bake
Pour meat sauce evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. -
Add Cheese & Finish
Sprinkle grated cheddar on top.
Return to oven for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Rest & Serve
Let stand 5–10 minutes before slicing for clean layers.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the refrigerator
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven
- Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a full comfort-style meal
Tips & FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes — ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.
Why cottage cheese?
It adds creaminess and structure without making the dish overly heavy.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble fully, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
What cheese works best on top?
Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or a blend also melts beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole earns its name for a reason. It’s rich without being fussy, familiar without being boring, and the kind of meal that disappears fast at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning leftovers, this is one of those recipes people ask you to make again — and again.
