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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Sarah namedy

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

A rich, creamy, and cheesy baked spaghetti casserole layered with savory ground beef, tangy sauce, and a luscious three-cheese mixture. Perfect for feeding a crowd or as a comforting family dinner classic.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 510
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup (1/2 lb) cottage cheese
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
  • 1 lb spaghetti noodles
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer 5 minutes. Season to taste.
  4. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
  5. Layer butter slices in dish, half spaghetti, cheese mixture, remaining spaghetti, and meat sauce.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly.
  8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Make ahead by assembling the casserole up to the baking step, then refrigerate overnight or freeze for later. For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning to the beef sauce or stir in sautéed onions and garlic. Leftovers reheat beautifully.