Get ready to discover your new favorite pasta bake – Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole! This indulgent twist on classic spaghetti combines layers of creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that tastes like it came from an upscale Italian restaurant.
Born from the tradition of comforting pasta casseroles, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into something truly special. The magic happens when the cream cheese layer melts into the spaces between the pasta, creating pockets of rich, creamy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This
- Make-ahead friendly – perfect for busy weeknights
- Budget-friendly ingredients create a luxurious result
- Feeds a crowd and great for potlucks
- Freezes beautifully for future meals
- Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Spaghetti noodles
- 1 Jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb. Ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz. Cream cheese softened
- 8 oz. Cottage cheese
- ¼ C. Sour cream
- ½ C. Butter melted
- Parmesan cheese to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Brown ground beef with garlic, drain excess fat.
- Mix marinara sauce with cooked beef.
- Blend cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer half the spaghetti in baking dish.
- Spread cheese mixture over pasta.
- Add remaining spaghetti.
- Top with meat sauce and shredded cheeses.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage
- Prepare up to 24 hours in advance before baking
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich casserole with a crisp garden salad and garlic bread on the side. A light Caesar salad provides the perfect fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta. For wine lovers, pair with a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days
- Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving for easier cutting
- Look for golden brown spots on top as doneness indicator
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months in airtight containers
FAQs
- Can I make this without meat? Yes, substitute with mushrooms or plant-based ground meat.
- Why is it called Million Dollar Spaghetti? The name comes from its rich, luxurious taste and impressive appearance.
- Can I use different pasta shapes? While traditional spaghetti works best, you can use penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy? Cook it very al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Spaghetti noodles
- 1 Jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb. Ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz. Cream cheese softened
- 8 oz. Cottage cheese
- ¼ C. Sour cream
- ½ C. Butter melted
- Parmesan cheese to taste
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Brown ground beef with garlic, drain excess fat.
- Mix marinara sauce with cooked beef.
- Blend cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer half the spaghetti in baking dish.
- Spread cheese mixture over pasta.
- Add remaining spaghetti.
- Top with meat sauce and shredded cheeses.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days
- Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving for easier cutting
- Look for golden brown spots on top as doneness indicator
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months in airtight containers
