Cozy Cheesy Spaghetti Casserole Recipe for Homestyle Comfort

Comfort food takes center stage with this mouthwatering spaghetti casserole recipe that brings together classic Italian flavors and hearty ingredients.

Layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a delightful dinner that satisfies every craving.

Packed with robust seasonings and a crispy golden top, this dish promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing meal with simple ingredients from the pantry.

The combination of ground beef, cheese, and pasta creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Each forkful delivers a warm, cheesy embrace that feels like a culinary hug.

Prepare to be transported to a cozy Italian kitchen with every delicious bite.

Spaghetti Casserole’s Star Qualities

• Perfect for satisfying hungry families with its rich, cheesy layers and hearty meat sauce that everyone will absolutely love.
• Even beginner cooks can nail this recipe with simple step-by-step instructions and basic ingredients that come together effortlessly.
• Ideal for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or feeding a large group without spending hours in the kitchen, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Spaghetti Casserole Must-Haves

• Spaghetti Noodles: A classic pasta that serves as the foundation of this hearty casserole.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: A creamy blend that adds richness and smooth texture to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that provides a golden, melty topping with extra flavor.

• Ground Beef: A savory meat that adds protein and depth to the casserole.
• Spaghetti Sauce: A tomato-based sauce that brings moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking in the baking pan.

Tools to Master Spaghetti Casserole

• 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and mixing with sauce.
• Large Bowl: Needed for blending cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
• Colander: Used for draining boiled spaghetti noodles.
• Mixing Spoon: Helps combine ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese Grater: Required for grating cheddar cheese topping.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting butter into slices.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Build Spaghetti Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready for the delicious casserole.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil spaghetti noodles until they’re tender but still have a slight bite.

Drain the water and set pasta aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Meaty Sauce

Brown ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked.

Drain excess fat.

Stir in spaghetti sauce to create a rich meat mixture.

Step 5: Build Buttery Base

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter slices.

Spread half the cooked spaghetti noodles across the bottom.

Step 6: Layer Creamy Goodness

Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the first layer of noodles, creating a luxurious foundation.

Step 7: Complete Noodle Layer

Add remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cheese mixture.

Dot with additional butter slices for extra richness.

Step 8: Pour Savory Sauce

Generously cover the top layer with the meaty spaghetti sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: First Baking Round

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes until heated through.

Step 10: Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top.

Return to oven for another 15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.

Spaghetti Casserole Winning Tips

• Drain spaghetti thoroughly and let it sit in the colander for a few extra minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firmer texture in the casserole.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the ground beef while browning to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly blended mixture that spreads easily.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.

Fun Ways to Change Spaghetti Casserole

• Vegetarian Spaghetti Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the original recipe's creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta noodles made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the rich cheese and sauce elements intact.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme into the cheese mixture, and use a marinara sauce with roasted vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired version of the classic casserole.

Spaghetti Casserole Serving Style

• Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for a hearty family dinner where everyone gathers around the table to enjoy warm, comforting layers of pasta and cheese.
• Weekend Potluck Champion: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to community gatherings or potlucks where guests will love its rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavors.
• Movie Night Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that pairs wonderfully with a relaxed evening of entertainment and good company.
• Italian-Inspired Side Kick: Complement the casserole with a light antipasto platter or some roasted vegetables to balance the creamy, meaty main dish and add extra nutrition.

Storing Casserole for Future Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.

FAQs

• Why is it called Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole?

The name suggests its rich, luxurious taste and creamy texture that makes it feel like a million-dollar dish, despite being a simple, budget-friendly recipe.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children love the cheesy, meaty layers and the comfort food feel of this casserole. It’s a great way to get kids excited about dinner.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives to suit your preference or dietary needs.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground meat, low-fat cheese and dairy products, whole wheat spaghetti, and add some vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty spaghetti casserole delights with layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese. Comfort cuisine connects families around warm, bubbling dishes served straight from kitchen to table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 package (16 ounces/454 g) spaghetti
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce

Dairy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 g) cream cheese
• 1/2 lb (227 g) cottage cheese (1 cup)
• 1/2 cup (113 g) butter (1 stick)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Grated cheddar cheese

Seasoning/Topping:

(No additional seasoning/topping ingredients)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Create a creamy cheese base by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and well-integrated.
4. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat completely.
5. Mix the browned beef with prepared spaghetti sauce, ensuring even coating of the meat.
6. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter, creating a thin, even layer to prevent sticking.
7. Arrange half of the cooked spaghetti noodles as the first layer, covering the bottom of the dish completely.
8. Spread the prepared cheese mixture uniformly over the first noodle layer, creating a rich, creamy barrier.
9. Layer the remaining spaghetti noodles on top of the cheese mixture, creating a second distinct layer.
10. Dot the top noodle layer with additional butter pieces for enhanced flavor and moisture.
11. Pour the meat and spaghetti sauce mixture evenly over the top noodle layer, ensuring complete coverage.
12. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until heated through and slightly bubbly.
13. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.

Notes

• Make ahead by preparing the casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s rich, comforting essence.
• Prevent soggy texture by thoroughly draining pasta and ensuring meat sauce isn’t too watery, which helps maintain the casserole’s structural integrity.
• Enhance flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the cheese mixture, giving the dish an extra aromatic dimension that elevates the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg