How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Step 1 — Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2 — Cook the Spaghetti
Boil until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Step 3 — Make the Creamy Cheese Layer
Mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage (or ricotta) cheese until smooth.
Step 4 — Cook the Beef
Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain the fat, and stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce.
Step 5 — Assemble the Casserole
Layer as follows:
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Butter slices on the bottom of the casserole dish.
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Half the cooked spaghetti.
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All the creamy cheese mixture.
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Remaining spaghetti.
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All the beef sauce mixture.
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Generous handfuls of grated cheese on top.
Step 6 — Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
What to Serve with This Casserole
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Garlic bread
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Caesar salad
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Roasted broccoli
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Simple cucumber & tomato salad
Tips for Perfect Results
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Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing — it sets beautifully.
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Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
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Don’t overcook your pasta; al dente is perfect.
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Add extra cheese if you want. (Honestly? I always do.)
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Up to 4–5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Covered in the oven at 325°F or microwave individual portions.
General Info
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Servings: 8–10
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
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Difficulty: Easy
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Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble earlier in the day, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly.
Does it freeze well?
It freezes beautifully, especially unbaked.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes — use an 8×8 dish instead of 9×13.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a whole lot of flavor — it’s the kind of dish that brings people back to the table again and again. If you need a recipe that’s warm, reliable, and sure to impress… this is the one.
Want More Creamy, Cheesy Favorites?
Try these next:
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Creamy baked ziti
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Beef & ricotta skillet lasagna
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Three-cheese garlic Alfredo pasta
Share Your Creations!
If you make this casserole, please leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest — I’d love to see how it turns out in your kitchen!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 520
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Fat: 29g
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Carbs: 40g
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Protein: 27g
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Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every cheesy, melty, million-dollar bite! 🍝💛