𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 🍝

Rich, cheesy, comforting, and layered like lasagna—but even easier to make!

𝐃𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒? 👀💯

Because if not… they’re seriously missing out. Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a chef and a genius all in one go. It’s the ultimate mashup of spaghetti and lasagna that brings all the comfort with none of the fuss. This recipe is creamy, meaty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—and it makes a lot. Perfect for big families, meal prepping, or potlucks.

✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 “𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫” 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢?

Because it tastes like a million bucks, of course! The rich combo of ingredients—ground beef, buttery pasta, creamy cheese layers, and zesty marinara—gives this casserole a flavor so indulgent, it feels like a luxury meal. But here’s the kicker: it’s made from simple pantry staples and costs just a few dollars per serving. 💸💛

🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, beefy baked spaghetti casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef 🐄
  – You can also sub in ground turkey or sausage!

• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce 🍅
  – Go for your favorite marinara or meat sauce brand.

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
  – This is the secret to the rich and creamy layers.

• ¼ cup sour cream
  – Adds tang and blends beautifully with the cheese.

• ½ lb cottage cheese (1 cup)
  – Gives texture and moisture to the creamy layer.

• ½ cup (1 stick) butter 🧈
  – Half for the pasta, half dotted on top for baking.

• 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti 🍝
  – Use classic spaghetti, or try angel hair for a lighter texture.

• Optional: shredded mozzarella or parmesan for topping 🧀
  – Cheese lovers, don’t skip this!

👩‍🍳 How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Let’s break it down step by step for ultimate ease and guaranteed deliciousness.

1. Preheat the Oven 🔥

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.

2. Cook the Spaghetti 🍝

Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain well.
Return the cooked noodles to the pot and toss with ½ stick (¼ cup) butter, cut into pats. Let the butter melt over the hot noodles—this step gives a rich flavor base to your pasta and helps prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce 🥩

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
Drain excess fat. Add in the spaghetti sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Mix the Cheesy Layer 🧀

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Stir until smooth.
Tip: If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, microwave it for 15 seconds to help it blend.

5. Assemble the Casserole 🧱

Let the layering begin!

1. First Layer: Spread half the buttered spaghetti into the baking dish.

2. Cheese Layer: Spread all the cheese mixture over the pasta evenly.

3. Second Layer: Add the remaining spaghetti on top.

4. Sauce Layer: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the whole thing.

5. Butter Top: Dot the top with the remaining ¼ cup of butter, cut into pieces.

Optional: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese over the top before baking.

6. Bake to Perfection 🔥🧀

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown.
Let cool for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers set beautifully.

🧡 Pro Tips & Tricks

• Use room temp dairy: Cold cream cheese won’t mix well and could create lumps.

• Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or finely chopped bell peppers work great in the meat sauce.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.

• Double it: Bake one and freeze one. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights.

🥶 How to Freeze & Reheat

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole freezes like a dream.

Freezing:

• Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish.

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge.

• Bake covered at 350°F for 40–50 minutes.

• Remove cover, add cheese, and bake 10–15 more minutes.

🧠 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Approximate for 8 servings:

• Calories: ~620

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Fat: 38g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

Note: This varies based on the sauce and cheese brands used. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey and low-fat cheese.

🔄 Ingredient Substitutions

🥩 Ground Beef Alternatives:

• Ground turkey or chicken (leaner)

• Ground Italian sausage (adds spice)

• Meatless crumbles (vegetarian option)

🧀 Cheese Swaps:

• Ricotta for cottage cheese

• Greek yogurt for sour cream

• Vegan cream cheese and non-dairy mozzarella for a dairy-free version

🍽️ What to Serve With Million Dollar Spaghetti

Round out your meal with these tasty side ideas:

• 🥖 Garlic Bread
  – Crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up sauce.

• 🥗 Simple Side Salad
  – Mixed greens with balsamic or Italian dressing.

• 🍷 A Glass of Red Wine
  – Try a cabernet or merlot to match the rich flavors.

• 🍋 Roasted Broccoli with Lemon Zest
  – Adds brightness to the heavy dish.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Crowd Favorite: Why This Casserole Wins Every Time

This is a go-to family meal. It feeds a lot of people, tastes like it took hours to make, and pleases picky eaters and foodies alike. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a week’s worth of lunches, or bringing a dish to a friend in need, this casserole never disappoints.

And guess what? The leftovers taste even better the next day. 😍

🔄 Recipe Variations to Try

Want to put your own twist on it? Try these fun ideas:

• Million Dollar Spaghetti Cups: Bake in muffin tins for mini-portions—great for kids or parties.

• Tex-Mex Twist: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with cheddar and jalapeños.

• Chicken Alfredo Style: Replace red sauce with Alfredo and swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.

❤️ Reader Rave

“Made this for my in-laws and they all went back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s become a monthly staple at our house. Don’t skip the buttery top—it’s the best part!” – ✨Jessica L.

📦 Storage Instructions

Fridge:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Freezer:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Wrap well and label with the date.

🔁 Double Batch Plan

Meal prepping? Make two casseroles at once:

1. One for now.

2. One for later—freeze before baking.

It’s an efficient way to feed your future self. 💪

🧠 FAQs

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes! Just follow package instructions, but don’t overcook. Gluten-free pasta can break easily.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Use lentils or meatless crumbles in place of ground beef.

Q: Can I prep it ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble it fully and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.

📌 Final Thoughts: Million Dollar Spaghetti, Million Reasons to Love It

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or just want comfort food that’s easy and impressive—Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is your answer. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a tradition in your home. 😍🍽️

So go ahead—make it tonight and see why people are calling it “million-dollar” delicious.

💬 Share Your Version!

Did you make this recipe? Tag it with #MillionDollarSpaghetti or #BrittneyRecipes and show us your cheesy, bubbly masterpiece. 💛

🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Love:

• Lazy Lasagna Casserole

• One-Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Cheesy Baked Ziti

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