Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
This rich and comforting casserole is layered with buttered spaghetti, a creamy cheese blend, hearty meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping — a true crowd-pleaser that tastes like it took hours, but comes together with simple ingredients and reliable steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For the Pasta Base:
1 pound (16 oz) spaghetti
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
For the Creamy Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound ground beef (or half ground sausage for extra flavor)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions :
Cook the Spaghetti Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and toss with sliced butter while still warm. Set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Season lightly with salt and pepper. The mixture should be soft and spreadable.
Make the Meat Sauce In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Season to taste.
