Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is pure comfort food heaven 
Think layers of spaghetti, creamy cheese filling, rich meat sauce, and loads of melty cheese on top. It’s like lasagna and baked ziti had a delicious baby.
Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Layers of pasta, creamy cheese filling, savory meat sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese baked to bubbly perfection.
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 8–10
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Base:
1 lb (450g) spaghetti
2 tbsp butter (melted)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Layer:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Meat Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Extra Parmesan or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with melted butter and Parmesan. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Filling:
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and cook 1 min.
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, layer like this:
Half the cooked spaghetti
All the creamy cheese mixture
Remaining spaghetti
Meat sauce
Mozzarella cheese on top
5. Bake:
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let It Rest:
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing (it sets better and slices beautifully).
Optional Add-Ins:
Spinach or chopped basil in the creamy layer
Red pepper flakes for heat
Mushrooms or bell peppers in the meat sauce
Serve With:
Garlic bread
A crisp side salad
A big appetite 