If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like a million bucks (without spending it), this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the answer. Layers of creamy cheeses, savory meat sauce, and buttery pasta come together in one baked dish that’s guaranteed to please the whole family. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup (1/2 pound) cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 16 ounces spaghetti
- Grated cheddar cheese (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Mix creamy layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Make the meat sauce: Stir the spaghetti sauce into the cooked beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Layer half of the spaghetti noodles on the bottom.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add the remaining spaghetti noodles on top.
- Dot the noodles with thin slices of butter.
- Pour the beef and sauce mixture evenly over everything.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Top with cheese: Remove the foil, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top, and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Slice, scoop, and enjoy the cheesy, creamy layers!
