Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s a crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole recipe — creamy, cheesy, meaty, and perfect for potlucks or family dinners. It tastes like a mash-up of lasagna and baked ziti!

---

💰 Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

🕒 Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes

• Cook: 45–50 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 8–10

---

🍝 Ingredients:

For the Pasta & Cheese Mixture:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti

• 1 (8 oz / 225g) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Meat Sauce:

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

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24–26 oz / 700–750g) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2–3 tbsp butter, sliced

---

🔪 Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti:
   Boil spaghetti just until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the meat sauce:
   In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and simmer for 5–10 minutes.

3. Mix creamy cheese layer:
   In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble casserole:

   • Bottom layer: Place half the cooked spaghetti in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot with slices of butter.

   • Creamy layer: Spread all the cheese mixture over the noodles.

   • Second pasta layer: Add the remaining spaghetti.

   • Meat sauce: Pour all the meat sauce over the top.

   • Top with cheese: Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.

5. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

6. Rest & serve:
   Let sit 10–15 minutes before slicing (this helps it hold together). Serve with garlic bread and salad.

---

🔄 Variations:

• Low-carb: Substitute spaghetti squash or low-carb pasta.

• Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.

• Make-ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Want a printable version or freezer-friendly instructions?