Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite

Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite 🍝🧀

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With layers of tender spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, and three types of cheese, this dish is indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleasing casserole step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food at Its Best : Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—this dish satisfies every craving.
2. Simple & Versatile : Made with pantry staples and customizable with your favorite cheeses or add-ins.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly : Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
4. Kid-Friendly : Kids love the gooey cheese and pasta combo, while adults appreciate the savory flavors.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce (homemade or store-bought )
• 8 oz cream cheese , softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• ½ cup butter (1 stick, sliced into pats )
• 16 oz spaghetti noodles (about 1 pound )
• 2 cups grated cheese (Cheddar, Parmesan, or a combination )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta). Mix until smooth and well-combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
2. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
3. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer 1 : Place a few slices of butter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Layer 2 : Add half of the cooked spaghetti noodles, spreading them out evenly.
3. Layer 3 : Spread the creamy cheese mixture over the noodles, using a spatula to distribute it evenly.
4. Layer 4 : Add the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cheese layer. Place a few more slices of butter on top of the noodles.
5. Layer 5 : Pour the meat sauce evenly over the noodles, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes .

Step 7: Add Cheese

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.
2. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes , or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Step 8: Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients : Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
2. Experiment with Cheeses : Try smoked Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
3. Add Veggies : Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers can be added to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.
4. Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze the unbaked casserole (without the final cheese topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Perfect Pairings

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread : Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a complete comfort meal.
• Side Salad : A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables : Broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts add a healthy touch.
• Red Wine : Pair with a glass of red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for a cozy dinner experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~500 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~45g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a show-stopping dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its creamy layers, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese topping, it’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering—or even just a cozy night at home. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile recipe for all occasions.

So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s pure cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a beloved tradition.