Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Creamy, Cheesy, and Totally Satisfying
⏱️ Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
🧰 Equipment:
Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowls
9×13” baking dish
Spatula or wooden spoon
Foil (for covering)
🥣 Ingredients:
For the Pasta Layer:
1 lb (450g) spaghetti
Salt (for boiling water)
1 tbsp butter
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
🔍 Ingredient Notes:
Cottage Cheese: Blended cottage cheese makes it extra creamy and high in protein.
Spaghetti: Cook it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy when baked.
Meat Sauce: A mix of beef and sausage gives the casserole a rich, layered flavor.
Cream Cheese Layer: The secret to that “million dollar” richness!
🧑🍳 Instructions:
Cook the Spaghetti:
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with 1 tbsp butter, and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage (if using) over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Drain any excess fat.
Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, and let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage (or ricotta) cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, layer as follows:
Bottom: Half the cooked spaghetti
Middle: All of the cream cheese mixture
Next: Remaining spaghetti
Top: All the meat sauce
Final: Mozzarella and parmesan cheese
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve:
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
🍽️ Nutritional Estimate (per serving):
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
520 kcal
Protein
30g
Fat
30g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
5g
Sodium
800mg
Calcium
250mg
💡 Tips & Variations:
Tips:
Use low-fat cheeses if you want a lighter version.
Make two smaller casseroles—one for now, one to freeze!
Letting it rest after baking keeps the layers intact when slicing.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
Low-Carb: Substitute spaghetti with spaghetti squash or low-carb noodles.
Cheesier: Add a layer of provolone or cheddar for extra meltiness.
