This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of comforting flavor! Tender spaghetti is combined with a hearty meat sauce, a luscious cream cheese mixture, and plenty of melted cheese for a baked pasta dish that tastes indulgent and unforgettable. Cozy, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd — it’s a true family favorite!
Servings:Â 6
Ingredients
- Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti uncooked
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
- Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara or meatless pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Creamy Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
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Cook the pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make the meat sauce
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
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Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Prepare the creamy layer
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In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth and fully combined.
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Assemble the casserole
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the dish
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Spoon half of the creamy mixture over the pasta
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Add half of the meat sauce
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Repeat layers with remaining spaghetti, creamy mixture, and meat sauce
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Add cheese
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Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
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Bake
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Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
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Rest & serve
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Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.