Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Meal You Can’t Resist!
Craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal? Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is your new go-to recipe! This dish combines layers of perfectly cooked spaghetti, rich meat sauce, and an irresistible blend of cheeses. It’s like a classic lasagna, but with a twist that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to please!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked and drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano.
In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese until smooth. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat.
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, then layer with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous amount of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese on top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve hot!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories | 520 |
Protein | 29g |
Fat | 28g |
Carbohydrates | 42g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 680mg |
Printable Summary Table
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole | |
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Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Cook Time | 35 minutes |
Total Time | 50 minutes |
Yield | 8 servings |
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day before and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mozzarella or cheddar with your favorite melty cheese like provolone or gouda.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.