Sure! Here’s a unique and detailed article about the Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, including a step-by-step guide to help you recreate this indulgent family favorite in your own kitchen.

Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: The Ultimate Family Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the heartiness of spaghetti with the creamy richness of a casserole, look no further than the Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. This layered comfort meal is a delicious mashup of classic pasta, savory meat sauce, a luscious cream cheese filling, and plenty of gooey, melted cheese.

It’s called “Million Dollar” for a reason — it tastes like a million bucks, yet it’s made with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a potluck, this baked pasta dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta and Layers:

1 pound spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter version)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

For Topping and Assembly:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter, sliced thin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through (about 7–10 minutes).
Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the jar of marinara or spaghetti sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer on low heat while you prepare the cheese mixture.