Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s a rich, crowd-pleasing Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole that lives up to its name—creamy, cheesy, meaty, and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s like lasagna and baked ziti had a delicious baby.

🍝 Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

🕒 Time: 1 hour

🍽️ Serves: 8–10

🧀 Comfort Food Level: 💯

🧂 Ingredients:

Pasta & Layers:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or half sausage, half beef)

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp butter (cut into small pieces)

Creamy Layer:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• Salt & pepper to taste

🔪 Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Boil spaghetti just until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Meat:

   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink.

   • Drain fat, then stir in spaghetti sauce. Simmer 5–10 minutes.

3. Make the Creamy Layer:

   • In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ricotta/cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Layer 1: Spread a few spoonfuls of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.

   • Layer 2: Add half the cooked spaghetti, dot with butter.

   • Layer 3: Spread the entire creamy mixture over the pasta.

   • Layer 4: Top with remaining spaghetti, then the rest of the meat sauce.

   • Layer 5: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake:

   • Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

   • Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Cool & Serve:

   • Let rest 10 minutes before slicing (helps it hold its shape).

   • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

🔁 Variations:

• Use Italian sausage for more flavor.

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.

• Make it ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.