Go Back

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Ingredients
 

For the Casserole:

  • Spaghetti noodles: 16 oz cooked al dente
  • Ground beef: 1 lb can substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage
  • Onion: 1 medium finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves minced
  • Marinara sauce: 24 oz jar
  • Cream cheese: 8 oz softened
  • Sour cream: 1 cup
  • Cottage cheese: 1 cup can substitute with ricotta cheese
  • Butter: 1/2 cup 1 stick, divided
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon optional
  • Parsley: chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside. Toss the cooked spaghetti with half of the butter to prevent sticking.

Cook the Meat:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess grease.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce to the meat mixture and simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Remove from heat.

Mix Creamy Layer:

  • In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta) until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole:

  • Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with some of the remaining butter. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the dish.
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
  • Layer the remaining spaghetti on top of the cream cheese mixture. Dot with the remaining butter.
  • Pour the meat sauce over the top spaghetti layer, spreading to cover.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Bake:

  • Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Serve:

  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.