If you love cozy, comforting, and totally satisfying dinners, Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole might just become your new weeknight favorite. This dish is a cross between lasagna and baked ziti, with a luscious mix of spaghetti noodles, creamy cheese layers, hearty meat sauce, and a golden, bubbly top. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet approachable—perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.

What sets this casserole apart is the surprise layer of cream cheese and cottage cheese hidden between saucy pasta and savory ground beef. Once baked, the layers meld into a rich, flavorful dish that truly earns its “million dollar” name. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a family dinner, or meal prep, this dish delivers every time.

What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use?

Regular spaghetti works beautifully for this casserole, but you can also use thin spaghetti or even whole wheat if you’re aiming for a bit more fiber. Avoid angel hair, as it can become too soft and lose texture in the baking process. Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.

Ingredients for the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

1 pound spaghetti
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Butter or non-stick spray for greasing

How To Make the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in a bit of oil until softened. Add the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom. Add the entire cheese mixture in an even layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti. Pour the meat sauce over the top.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve and Store Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

This casserole is best served hot straight from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full meal.

To store leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully: wrap individual portions in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Absolutely. Ricotta is a great alternative and gives a similar creamy texture.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Very much so. Freeze the baked casserole in portions or as a whole, tightly wrapped.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini work well and add extra nutrition.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love this Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, check out these other cozy favorites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you swap the beef for sausage? Did you toss in some spinach or use ricotta instead? I love hearing how others make this recipe their own.

For more cozy dinners and crave-worthy casseroles, follow along on my Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with layers of seasoned meat, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or freezing ahead for a busy weeknight.

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened. Add garlic and ground beef, cook until browned. Drain fat. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half the spaghetti, then the cheese mixture, then the remaining spaghetti. Top with the meat sauce.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

6. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!