You’re in for a seriously indulgent comfort food treat! 🍝✨
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty baked pasta casserole that layers rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender spaghetti — kind of like lasagna’s easier, cheesier cousin. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

---

💰 Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

🕒 Prep: 25 min | Bake: 35 min

🍽️ Serves: 8–10

---

🧂 Ingredients

For the Pasta & Cheese Layers:

• 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente and drained

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp butter, sliced (for layering)

For the Meat Sauce:

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

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper to taste

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

• Boil the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente.

• Drain and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.

---

2. Make the meat sauce

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.

• Add garlic, cook 1 minute.

• Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• Simmer for 5–10 minutes, then remove from heat.

---

3. Mix the cheese layer

• In a bowl, mix together:

  • Cream cheese

  • Cottage cheese or ricotta

  • Sour cream

  • Salt & pepper to taste

---

4. Assemble the casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer as follows:

1. Half of the cooked spaghetti

2. Sliced butter (lay evenly over noodles)

3. All of the cheese mixture, spread gently

4. Remaining spaghetti

5. Meat sauce, spread evenly over top

6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan

---

5. Bake

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

• Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden

---

6. Let it rest

• Let sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it set.

---

🥗 Serving Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread and a green salad

• Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish

• Great with a glass of red wine or iced tea

---

✅ Make-Ahead & Freezing

• Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking

• Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months

• Thaw overnight and bake as directed

---

Would you like a low-carb version, or one made with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles?