Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)
Layered pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses baked together for an irresistible comfort classic.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 box (16 oz) dried spaghetti noodles
→ Meat Sauce
02 -
1 pound ground beef
03 -
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
04 -
Salt to taste
05 -
Black pepper to taste
→ Cheese Mixture
06 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
07 -
1/4 cup sour cream
08 -
1/2 cup cottage cheese
→ Topping Cheeses
09 -
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 -
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Baking Preparation
12 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
04 -
Add marinara sauce to the browned beef. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
05 -
In a medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and homogenous.
06 -
Place half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the prepared baking dish.
07 -
Spread the entire cheese mixture over the spaghetti, distributing evenly.
08 -
Top with the remaining spaghetti, creating an even layer.
09 -
Pour the prepared meat and marinara sauce evenly across the top layer of pasta.
10 -
Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over the entire surface.
11 -
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
12 -
Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
13 -
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps slices retain their shape and enhances flavor.