If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Imagine layers of tender spaghetti, a rich and creamy cheese mixture, savory ground beef sauce, and a topping of melted cheddar cheese that brings everything together. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best parts of lasagna and spaghetti into one easy-to-make dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family.
The magic lies in the creamy middle layer of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, which gives each bite a decadent, silky texture. Paired with a robust, seasoned meat sauce and a topping of bubbling, golden cheddar cheese, this casserole is indulgent and satisfying. It’s an affordable dish that tastes like a million dollars, earning its name as the ultimate “Million Dollar” casserole. Serve it hot, and watch as your family digs into this layered masterpiece with gusto.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Cheesy, Creamy Layers: With a creamy blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, this casserole delivers rich, creamy goodness in every bite.
Perfect for Families: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, so it’s ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.
Comforting and Hearty: With layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, this casserole is pure comfort food.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep this casserole in advance, making it great for busy days.
Key Ingredients:
Here’s what makes each ingredient essential and how to get the best flavor and texture.
Spaghetti: Classic spaghetti pasta works best here, but you could also use other long pasta varieties like linguine or fettuccine.
Lean Ground Beef: Ground beef adds a savory, hearty layer to the casserole. You can substitute ground turkey or sausage if you prefer.
Spaghetti Sauce: A jar of spaghetti sauce brings tangy, herby flavors to the dish and combines well with the beef.
Butter: Butter is used in the layers, adding richness to the casserole and helping the pasta stay moist and flavorful.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese provides creaminess and a slight tang that balances the richness of the other cheeses.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds smoothness and creaminess to the cheese mixture, creating a decadent middle layer.
Sour Cream: Sour cream brings tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy filling.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top melts into a golden, bubbly layer that’s perfect for finishing this casserole.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly (5–7 minutes).
Drain excess grease, then mix the beef with the spaghetti sauce. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Place half of the butter slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter.
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Step 5: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix together cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth and blended.
Spread this cheese mixture over the spaghetti layer in the casserole dish.
Step 6: Add Remaining Layers
Add the remaining spaghetti over the cheese layer.
Top with the remaining butter slices, evenly spread over the spaghetti.
Pour the ground beef and sauce mixture over this layer, spreading it out evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.
Scoop and serve while hot, enjoying the creamy layers and savory meat sauce!
Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:
Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Cooking the spaghetti to an al dente texture prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Layer Butter Evenly: Slicing and layering butter ensures the casserole is rich and moist throughout.
Let it Cool Before Serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
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Variations:
Make this dish your own with a few simple changes:
Swap Cottage Cheese for Ricotta: If you prefer a slightly sweeter, creamier layer, substitute cottage cheese with ricotta.
Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be added to the beef layer for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use Italian Sausage: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful version.
Try Different Cheeses: Mix mozzarella or Parmesan with the cheddar for a unique twist on the cheesy topping.
Storage and Reheating:
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is great for leftovers, and it reheats beautifully.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual portions or the entire casserole in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion:
This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a truly comforting, cheesy delight that layers creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic option for family dinners, meal prep, or any time you’re craving classic comfort food.
Enjoy every gooey, delicious bite of this layered casserole masterpiece!
