Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Here’s a rich, comforting Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole—creamy, meaty, and perfect for feeding a crowd 🧀🍝

Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes or fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven
   Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook meat sauce
   Brown ground beef with onion until cooked through. Drain grease. Add garlic, marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.

3. Make the creamy layer
   In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage/ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup mozzarella until smooth.

4. Assemble casserole

   • Layer half of the spaghetti in the dish

   • Spread creamy cheese mixture evenly

   • Top with remaining spaghetti

   • Pour meat sauce over the top

   • Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and cheddar/Parmesan

5. Bake
   Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Rest & serve
   Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Make It Your Way

• Extra cheesy: Add provolone or fontina

• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini

• Lighter option: Use ground turkey and low-fat dairy

• Freezer-friendly: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked

If you’d like, I can also share a slow cooker version, no-meat option, or garlic bread pairing