Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich baked pasta casserole layered with spaghetti, meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture. It’s similar to lasagna but easier to assemble.

Ingredients

Pasta

1 lb (450 g) spaghetti
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce or marinara
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

Creamy Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
½ cup sour cream

Topping

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, sliced

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix together:

cream cheese
cottage cheese (or ricotta)
sour cream

Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 350°F / 175°C.
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Layer in this order:

Half of the spaghetti
Spread the cheese mixture evenly
Add the remaining spaghetti
Pour the meat sauce over the top
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Place butter slices on top

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes
Cheese should be melted and slightly golden.

Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest 10 minutes so it slices neatly.

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup chopped bell peppers in the meat sauce
1 cup mushrooms
Crushed red pepper for heat
Fresh parsley or basil garnish

Storage

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: up to 2 months

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warm.