Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe – Easy Baked Pasta Casserole

Looking for the ultimate comfort food casserole? This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is creamy, cheesy, meaty, and absolutely irresistible! With layers of tender spaghetti, rich ground beef marinara, and a luscious blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, this easy baked pasta dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or potlucks—just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen!

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Spaghetti

• This recipe is packed with cheesy goodness in every bite. The blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream creates an ultra-creamy texture that melts beautifully into the pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest—warm, rich, and totally satisfying. You’ll want to make this again and again!

• It’s incredibly easy to put together. All you need is a handful of simple ingredients and just a few steps of layering before it goes into the oven. It’s a great meal for beginner cooks or anyone short on time. You don’t need to be a chef to get amazing results.

• The flavor is out of this world! The savory beef sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy layers and melted Cheddar cheese on top. Every bite is full of delicious contrast—tangy, cheesy, and meaty. It’s a real crowd-pleaser.

• It’s a great make-ahead meal. You can prep it earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Perfect for busy nights when you want dinner on the table fast. Leftovers reheat beautifully, too!

• It’s versatile and family-friendly. You can easily customize the seasonings, swap out the cheeses, or mix in veggies. Even picky eaters will love it. Plus, it makes a big batch that’s perfect for feeding a group.

Ingredients For Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Spaghetti – The base of the dish. It holds all the creamy and meaty layers together.

• Ground beef – Adds a hearty and savory flavor. You can also use ground turkey or a beef/turkey mix.

• Spaghetti sauce – Brings in that classic tomato flavor. Use your favorite store-bought jar or homemade marinara.

• Butter – Adds richness and helps prevent the spaghetti from sticking to the pan.

• Cottage cheese – Gives the dish a creamy texture with a little tang. It’s lighter than ricotta but just as delicious.

• Cream cheese – Makes the cheesy filling extra smooth and rich. Let it soften for easier mixing.

• Sour cream – Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the flavors.

• Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese – Melts perfectly on top and adds a bold cheesy finish.

• Salt – Used to season the pasta water and the beef for balanced flavor.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Large pot – Used for boiling the spaghetti until tender.

• Colander – To drain the cooked pasta quickly and easily.

• Large skillet – Perfect for browning the ground beef and combining it with the sauce.

• Mixing bowl – For blending the creamy cheese mixture until smooth.

• 9×13-inch baking dish – The right size to layer and bake your casserole evenly.

• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts, especially the butter and sour cream.

• Spatula or spoon – Helps spread each layer evenly and smoothly.

• Oven – To bake the casserole until hot and bubbly with golden melted cheese on top.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it with a crisp chicken caesar salad wraps or a cauliflower and greens salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.

• Garlic cheese bread or homemade dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

• Roasted veggies like broccoli, sauteed green beans, or zucchini slices make a great healthy side.

• For a cozy dinner vibe, add a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup or minestrone.

• Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan for a finishing touch.

Tips For Success

• Salt your pasta water well – It’s the first step to adding flavor to the spaghetti. Cook the noodles just to al dente so they stay firm when baked. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the oven.

• Drain the ground beef completely – This keeps your casserole from becoming greasy. Break the beef into small pieces while cooking so the sauce mixes in evenly. Add extra flavor by seasoning with pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning.

• Soften cream cheese before mixing – This makes it easier to blend smoothly with the cottage cheese and sour cream. A creamy, lump-free cheese layer spreads more evenly. This step gives the dish its signature creamy middle.

• Follow the proper layering steps – Start with butter in the pan to prevent sticking and add richness. Press down on the layers lightly to help the casserole hold its shape. Make sure the beef sauce fully covers the top to keep it moist while baking.

• Add shredded Cheddar at the end – This gives you a gooey, cheesy topping that doesn’t overcook. Bake just until the cheese is melted and golden. Let it rest 5–10 minutes after baking so the layers set before slicing.

• Make ahead for convenience – You can assemble everything earlier in the day and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. It’s perfect for busy nights or dinner parties!

Variations And Substitutions

• Use different meats – Instead of just ground beef, try using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a twist. A mix of beef and pork sausage adds extra flavor and juiciness. You can even use plant-based meat substitutes to make it vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure to cook and season the meat before adding it to the sauce.

• Swap the cheeses – If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta works great in its place. Mozzarella cheese can replace the Cheddar for a milder, stretchier top layer. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish when sprinkled on top. You can even mix different cheeses together for a custom cheesy flavor.

• Add vegetables – Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to sneak in extra nutrition. Diced bell peppers or onions also go great with the meat sauce. Just make sure any veggies are pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture. This is a great way to stretch the meal or lighten it up.

• Try different seasonings – Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, or crushed red pepper for more flavor. A pinch of dried basil or oregano adds a nice herbal touch. You can even stir in fresh herbs like parsley or chopped spinach to the cheese mixture. Season to your taste to make it your own!

• Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use hot Italian sausage instead of plain ground beef. You can also stir in a little hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Spice it up as much or as little as you like!

• Use gluten-free pasta – Just swap the regular spaghetti with a gluten-free version. Be sure to undercook it slightly, since gluten-free pasta can get soft more quickly. This makes the recipe accessible for anyone with dietary restrictions.

• Portion it differently – Instead of baking it in a large 9×13 dish, try assembling it in individual ramekins or a muffin tin for mini versions. This is perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes. Just adjust the baking time down since smaller portions cook faster.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator – Store any leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Freezer – This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze the entire dish (before or after baking) or individual portions. Wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating (Oven) – To reheat a large portion, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–30 minutes). For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Reheating (Microwave) – For quick leftovers, heat individual servings in the microwave. Cover the plate with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Make-ahead tip – You can fully assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the cook time if baking straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! Million Dollar Spaghetti is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If baking straight from the fridge, just add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated all the way through. It’s a great option for meal prep, holidays, or busy weeknights.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Absolutely. This dish freezes very well. You can freeze it before or after baking—just make sure it’s tightly wrapped with foil and stored in a freezer-safe container or bag. If freezing before baking, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding extra time as needed. If freezing after baking, slice it into individual portions for easy reheating later.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great substitute with a slightly smoother texture. It still gives that rich and creamy filling without changing the overall taste too much. You can also try mixing ricotta with a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to match the consistency. Many readers enjoy this variation and say it’s just as delicious!

How do I reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers in the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until hot, which usually takes about 20–30 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works great—just heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for an extra gooey topping. If your spaghetti seems dry, add a small spoonful of spaghetti sauce before reheating to keep it moist.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat or using a plant-based ground meat substitute. Another option is to use a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers as the filling. Just be sure to cook out any excess moisture before layering. Use a vegetarian spaghetti sauce to keep the dish meat-free.

What kind of spaghetti sauce should I use?

Any store-bought marinara or spaghetti sauce you love will work for this recipe. If you prefer homemade, feel free to use your favorite recipe. For a little extra flavor, try sauces with added herbs, garlic, or spicy red pepper. The sauce is one of the main flavor boosters in the dish, so use one that tastes great on its own.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free spaghetti instead of regular pasta. Cook it slightly less than the package directions so it doesn’t overcook in the oven. Check your spaghetti sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well. With those swaps, you’ll have a delicious gluten-free casserole everyone can enjoy.

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

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Arugula Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – A fresh and zesty pasta salad combining peppery arugula, al dente pasta, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing dish.

Hearts of Palm Pasta from Trader Joe’s – A low-carb and gluten-free pasta alternative made from hearts of palm, offering a deliciously light and healthy option for any pasta lover.

Cheesy One-Pot Penne Pasta – This one-pot dish combines creamy cheese sauce and penne pasta for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in no time.

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad – A light and nutritious pasta salad featuring tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful dressing for a perfect healthy meal.

Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine – This indulgent seafood pasta features succulent shrimp in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, served over tender linguine for a decadent meal.

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and Ricotta Cheese – A light, flavorful pasta dish with sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy ricotta, making it a perfect summer dinner.

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