MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE
Spaghetti casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite that layers familiar pasta-night flavors—savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese—into one rich and satisfying dish. Ideal for feeding the family or serving at a gathering, this version takes the classic to new heights.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti noodles | 8 ounces |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Cottage cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | Optional garnish |
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Pasta
Boil spaghetti until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat. - Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onions are soft and translucent. - Add Tomatoes & Seasoning
Stir in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes. - Make Cream Layer
In a bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter until smooth and well blended. - Layer the Casserole
- Spread half the spaghetti into the bottom of the dish.
- Top with the cream cheese mixture.
- Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
- Add the remaining spaghetti noodles.
- Top with Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top layer of spaghetti. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. - Garnish and Serve
Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
