Description

Creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole brings comfort and indulgence to family dinner tables. Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese create a hearty meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts, promising deliciousness you’ll crave again.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound cottage cheese (1 cup)
8 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 package spaghetti (16 ounces)
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole.
Step: Cook spaghetti noodles until they reach a tender yet firm al dente texture, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
Step: Create a smooth, creamy base by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until completely integrated.
Step: In a skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef, draining excess fat, then blend with spaghetti sauce.
Step: Generously butter the baking dish, then arrange the first layer of cooked spaghetti noodles across the bottom.
Step: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the initial noodle layer, ensuring complete coverage.
Step: Add the remaining spaghetti noodles atop the cream cheese layer, strategically dotting with additional butter pieces.
Step: Cascade the seasoned meat and spaghetti sauce mixture over the top noodle layer.
Step: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and casserole to heat thoroughly.
Step: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the casserole and return to oven for 15 more minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
Step: Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving this comforting, rich pasta dish.

Notes

Boost flavor by adding garlic or Italian herbs to the ground beef while browning for extra depth. Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative. Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 553 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 660 mg
Fat: 37 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 27 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: casserole, spaghetti, million dollar spaghetti, cheesy pasta, comfort food