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 😋