If you love comforting casseroles that feed a crowd, Million Dollar Spaghetti is about to become your new favorite. This dish combines tender spaghetti noodles, creamy layers of cheese, and a hearty meat sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s budget-friendly, simple to prepare, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks.
Think of it as a mash-up between lasagna and spaghetti: all the cheesy, saucy goodness with half the fuss.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty & Satisfying – Creamy cheese, tender noodles, and savory meat sauce in every bite.
- Crowd-Friendly – Easily serves a big family or group, with leftovers that taste even better the next day.
- Budget-Conscious – Uses simple, affordable pantry staples.
- Easy to Make – Straightforward steps, no complicated prep.
🥘 Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, melted
- Parmesan cheese, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for a few minutes.
3. Mix the Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread melted butter evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked noodles as the first layer.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Top with the remaining noodles.
- Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
5. Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- Add Veggies – Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Switch the Protein – Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a mix of meats.
- Make Ahead – Assemble a day early, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer Friendly – Wrap tightly before baking and freeze up to 2 months.
🍴 Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Spaghetti delivers comfort in every bite—creamy, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels indulgent while still being budget-friendly and easy to throw together. Serve it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal your family will request again and again.
