Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty layers: Pasta, creamy cheese, and meat sauce make a filling main dish.
- Simple ingredients: A jar of spaghetti sauce saves preparation time.
- Family-style serving: One 9×13-inch dish makes approximately eight portions.
- Easy to prepare ahead: Assemble the casserole before you need it.
- Good leftovers: Individual servings reheat well with a little extra sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Spaghetti
Use 1 pound of dry spaghetti. Cook it just until al dente so it retains some texture during baking.
Ground Beef and Spaghetti Sauce
One pound of ground beef makes the tomato sauce hearty. Brown and drain it before stirring in the sauce.
The original ingredient list does not specify a jar size. Use one 24-ounce jar as a practical starting point; a slightly larger jar works if you prefer a saucier casserole. Choose a sauce whose flavor you enjoy, since it supplies much of the seasoning.
Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, and Sour Cream
The creamy layer uses:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
Softened cream cheese mixes more easily. Small-curd cottage cheese gives the layer a slightly textured finish. For a smoother mixture, blend the cheeses before spreading.
Butter
Use ½ cup melted butter in the bottom of the baking dish, as written. It adds richness beneath the first layer of noodles.
Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle grated or finely shredded Parmesan over the casserole near the end of baking. Use as much as you like; ¼–½ cup is a useful starting range.
Salt and Pepper
Season the beef to taste. Jarred sauce and Parmesan already contain salt, so taste the meat sauce before adding more.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the spaghetti in salted water until just al dente, following the package directions. Drain well.
2. Make the Meat Sauce
While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles.
Drain excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.
3. Mix the Creamy Layer
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
Stir until evenly blended. The cottage cheese may leave small curds, which are normal.
4. Layer the Casserole
Spread the melted butter across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange half the drained spaghetti over the butter. Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles, then add the remaining spaghetti.
Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
5. Bake and Add Parmesan
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle Parmesan over the casserole and return it to the oven for approximately 15 minutes, until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. The short rest helps the layers settle and makes portions easier to lift.
Tips for the Best Results
Avoid Overcooking the Noodles
The spaghetti continues to soften in the oven. Cooking it just to al dente helps it hold its shape.
Soften the Cream Cheese
Soft cream cheese blends more readily with the cottage cheese and sour cream. Small lumps can make the layer difficult to spread.
Spread the Sauce to the Edges
Cover the upper noodles as evenly as possible so exposed strands do not dry out during baking.
Check the Center
Bubbling edges are a good sign, but the middle should also be hot. A casserole assembled with chilled ingredients may need additional time.
Give It a Rest
Serving straight from the oven can produce loose layers. Ten minutes of resting makes it easier to portion.
Easy Variations
Ricotta Cheese Layer
Replace the cottage cheese with an equal amount of ricotta. The texture will be smoother and the flavor slightly different.
Sausage and Beef
Replace some of the ground beef with Italian sausage. Brown and drain the meats together.
Vegetable Meat Sauce
Cook finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions with the beef. Let excess moisture evaporate before adding the sauce.
Extra Cheese Topping
Add shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan during the final 15 minutes of baking.
Meatless Version
Omit the beef and use a meatless spaghetti sauce. Add sautéed mushrooms or another cooked vegetable if desired.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti
A crisp green salad with a tangy dressing balances the rich cheese layer. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or sautéed zucchini also pair well with the tomato sauce.
For a heartier meal, add garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Cook the pasta and meat sauce, prepare the cheese mixture, and assemble the casserole up to one day ahead. Cool the cooked components promptly before assembling, then cover and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, follow the baking dish manufacturer’s guidance for moving a cold dish into the oven. The chilled casserole may need additional time. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns before the center is hot.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in covered containers for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until hot throughout. Add a spoonful of tomato sauce or a splash of water if the pasta looks dry.
Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. The creamy layer may change texture slightly after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Penne or another short pasta can be layered with the same sauce and cheese mixture. Cook it al dente before assembling.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes. Use the same amount of ricotta for a smoother cheese layer.
Does the spaghetti need to be fully cooked first?
Cook it until al dente. It will soften further in the oven, but the casserole does not contain enough liquid to cook dry pasta reliably.
Why is my casserole dry?
The noodles may have been overcooked or left uncovered by sauce. Use enough sauce to reach the edges and add a little extra if your jar is small.
Can I use a different ground meat?
Yes. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can replace the beef. Cook the meat thoroughly and drain before combining it with the sauce.
Can I leave out the butter?
You can reduce or omit it and grease the dish instead. The casserole will be less rich than the original version.