Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough for a Sunday supper, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is exactly what you need. Rich, creamy layers of noodles, beefy marinara, and melted cheddar make this recipe live up to its name—without costing a fortune.

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What Is Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty baked pasta dish made by layering cooked spaghetti, a rich cheese mixture (think cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese), savory meat sauce, and a generous topping of melted cheddar. It’s a mash-up between lasagna and baked spaghetti, and the result? Utter perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

There’s so much to adore about this dish:

• Easy to prep ahead and freezer-friendly
• Feeds a crowd—perfect for family dinners or potlucks
• It’s got that creamy-meaty-cheesy trifecta going on that everyone loves
• Leftovers? Even better the next day
• It’s pure comfort food at its finest

What Does Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Taste Like?

Imagine the comfort of baked spaghetti combined with the creaminess of a cheesy lasagna, all wrapped up in one easy-to-slice casserole. The cheese layer melts into the pasta, giving it a luscious texture, while the butter adds a richness that makes every bite velvety and satisfying. The slightly sharp cheddar on top gives it a beautiful golden finish and the perfect bite. Anything but boring!!

Benefits of Making This Recipe

• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches to feed 8–10 servings
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be assembled the night before or frozen
• Customizable: Add veggies or swap out cheeses to make it your own
• Kid-approved: The mild flavors and cheesy goodness make it a family favorite

Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, sliced
• 1 (16 oz) package spaghetti
• 1½ to 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet (for browning meat)
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife (for slicing butter and serving portions)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Here’s where you can get creative

• Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace ground beef
• Want a veggie boost? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce
• No cottage cheese? Use ricotta instead
• Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a mix of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile
• Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF pasta brand

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

this Recipe

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Mix the Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.

4. Cook the Beef and Sauce
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the grease, then stir in the spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Start Layering
Lay a few slices of butter on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the cooked spaghetti, spreading evenly.

6. Add Cheese Mixture
Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of the noodles and gently spread it into an even layer.

7. Add Remaining Pasta and Butter
Place the rest of the spaghetti over the cheese layer. Top with a few more slices of butter.

8. Top with Meat Sauce
Pour the beefy marinara sauce over the top, making sure it covers the noodles completely.

9. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for another 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Rest and Serve
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps everything set up beautifully.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

You can turn this into a full meal with just a few simple sides:

• Garlic bread or warm rolls
• A crisp Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• A glass of red wine for the grown-ups

Tips for the Best Spaghetti Casserole

• Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing
• Don’t overcook the pasta—it’ll finish cooking in the oven
• For a crispy topping, broil the cheese for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely)
• Want to prep ahead? Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight

How to Store and Reheat

Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions
Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles can work—just avoid delicate types like angel hair.

Is cottage cheese necessary?

You can sub it with ricotta if that’s more your style.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use a meatless marinara sauce or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.

How many people does this serve?

It comfortably serves 8–10 people, depending on portion size.

In Summary

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is one of those dishes that you make once and instantly want to add to your regular rotation. It’s nostalgic, rich, family-friendly, and makes your kitchen smell like heaven. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a potluck contribution, this is the kind of recipe that brings people together.

More Recipes Like This

Still craving cozy and cheesy? Check out these other favorites:

• Ham and Cheese Hash Brown Casserole – a cozy, cheesy comfort classic
• English Muffin Breakfast Pizza – hearty, cheesy, and perfect for mornings
• Poor Man’s Husband Casserole – a comfort classic on a budget

Share Your Creation

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it
Leave a review below and tag your photos on Pinterest using #MmmMillionDollarSpaghetti on my Pinterest board — your kitchen magic deserves to be shared

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