If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Million Dollar Spaghetti is it! Layers of tender spaghetti, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella bake together into one cozy casserole the whole family will love. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for leftovers.
This recipe has become a family favorite for good reason. The creamy cheese layer takes a simple baked spaghetti to the next level without adding complicated ingredients. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for an easy dinner everyone will ask for again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Family favorite comfort food
- Great for leftovers
- Freezer-friendly
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
6–8
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbsp butter, sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
- While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain any grease, then stir in the garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread half of the spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the butter slices, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add the remaining spaghetti and butter. Pour the meat sauce over the top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Let the casserole rest before cutting so it holds together better.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Cottage cheese creates a creamy texture without making the casserole heavy.
Easy Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage.
- Stir spinach into the sauce for extra vegetables.
- Top with grated Parmesan before serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Assemble the casserole up to one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Tip
Buying a larger family pack of ground beef and dividing it between your Sloppy Joes, Walking Taco Bowls, and this casserole is an easy way to stretch your grocery budget. This recipe also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted green beans
- Side salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta works well, but cottage cheese is often more budget-friendly and creates a similar creamy texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble it before baking or freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Penne or rotini work well, though traditional spaghetti gives this dish its classic look.
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy baked spaghetti casserole made with seasoned ground beef, marinara, and mozzarella. An easy, budget-friendly family dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain.
-
While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain any grease, then stir in the garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
-
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
-
Spread half of the spaghetti into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the butter slices, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
-
Add the remaining spaghetti and butter. Pour the meat sauce over the top and spread evenly.
-
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
-
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Note
Let the casserole rest before cutting so it holds together better.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Cottage cheese creates a creamy texture without making the casserole heavy.
My family doesn’t like cottage cheese. Could you leave it out or replace it with something else?
Absolutely! If your family isn’t a fan of cottage cheese, you can replace it with an equal amount of ricotta cheese. If you don’t have ricotta, you can simply use a little extra cream cheese and sour cream instead. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!