Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food You’ll Crave Again and Again

 Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food You’ll Crave Again and Again

If you’re searching for a show-stopping comfort food that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and tastes like a million bucks, look no further than this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This decadent dish layers creamy cheeses, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti into a baked casserole that's bubbling with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for weeknight dinners, this recipe is a surefire hit that brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—the tender pasta, savory beef, creamy cheese layers, and gooey, golden topping come together in every bite for a truly unforgettable experience.

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⭐ Ingredients & Their Roles

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need, along with why each ingredient matters:

1 pound ground beef – Adds savory richness and heartiness to the casserole.

1 medium onion, chopped – Brings sweetness and depth once sautéed.

2 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a punch of flavor that complements the meat sauce.

8 ounces cream cheese, softened – Creates a luxuriously creamy base for the cheese layer.

1/2 cup sour cream – Adds tang and smoothness, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.

1/2 cup cottage cheese – Offers a subtle texture and mild flavor, making the cheese filling lighter.

1/4 cup unsalted butter – Helps coat the noodles to keep them from sticking and adds flavor.

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce – The foundation of the meat sauce, providing acidity and richness.

12 ounces spaghetti noodles – The main structure of the dish, absorbing all the layered flavors.

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully to form that irresistible cheesy topping.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor to elevate the topping.

Chopped fresh parsley (optional) – A fresh garnish that adds brightness and color.

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🍝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

Boil the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with 1/4 cup melted butter, and set aside. This buttered coating prevents the noodles from clumping and adds a delicious layer of flavor.

3. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease to avoid an oily casserole.

4. Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant—this adds a rich aromatic base to the meat sauce.

5. Make the Meat Sauce

Stir the tomato sauce into the beef mixture. Simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. You can also add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste for an extra boost.

6. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth. This trio creates the signature “million dollar” creamy layer that sets this casserole apart.

7. Layer the Casserole

Here’s how to build the perfect bake:

Spread half of the spaghetti in the bottom of the baking dish.

Top with the entire cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.

Layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese.

Pour the meat sauce on top and spread it out.

Finish with an even layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

8. Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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❤️ Why This Recipe is a Fan Favorite

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is beloved for good reason:

Comfort food at its finest – rich, cheesy, meaty, and deeply satisfying.

Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved – nothing too fancy, just delicious.

Make-ahead and freezer-friendly – perfect for busy weeks or prepping for guests.

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💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use quality cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded.

Drain well: Be sure to drain pasta and beef properly to avoid excess moisture.

Let it rest: A 5–10 minute rest after baking helps everything set for clean slices.

Customize it: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or red pepper flakes for your own twist.

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🍷 Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty casserole with:

A crisp green salad with Italian dressing

Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks

A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Merlot) for adults

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🔥 Final Thoughts: A Simple Yet Show-Stopping Recipe

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. With creamy cheese layers, hearty beef sauce, and golden melted cheese on top, it’s a comfort food dream that everyone will rave about. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Bookmark this recipe, share it with friends, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta bake. 💛

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Want more crowd-pleasing cas

seroles like this? Don’t forget to check out our collection of easy dinner ideas and meal prep favorites for stress-free cooking all week long.