Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Comfort Classic with a Luxurious Twist

When it comes to hearty, crowd-pleasing dinners, few dishes deliver comfort and indulgence quite like the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Often described as a cross between lasagna and baked spaghetti, this recipe layers pasta, rich sauces, cheeses, and savory beef into one irresistible dish. The name might sound extravagant, but the magic of this casserole lies in its budget-friendly ingredients that come together to taste like a million bucks.

Let’s walk through how to prepare this step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef (you can substitute Italian sausage for extra flavor)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 stick butter, sliced into thin pats
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook the spaghetti, since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Drain excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.