Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Tennessee Comfort Classic

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In Tennessee, where comfort food reigns supreme, the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a dish that has quickly become a household favorite. Combining layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned its “million-dollar” title. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs and brings warmth to your soul—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just when you’re craving something hearty.

Tennessee’s Take on a Classic Dish The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole blends Italian roots with southern comfort food traditions. In Tennessee kitchens, this casserole has evolved to include rich dairy products like cream cheese and sour cream, adding a southern flair to this Italian-inspired dish. What makes this recipe even more special is its ease of preparation—ideal for busy families who still want to put a home-cooked meal on the table.

Recipe: Tennessee Style Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ lb cottage cheese (1 cup)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 package of spaghetti (16 oz)
• Grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth and well blended.
4. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain any excess fat. Add the jar of spaghetti sauce and stir to combine.
5. Layering the Casserole:
6. • Place a few slices of butter in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles over the butter.
   • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
   • Add the remaining half of the spaghetti noodles on top of the cheese mixture.
   • Dot a few more slices of butter on top.
7. Add Meat Sauce: Pour the meat and spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Add Cheese: After 30 minutes, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese generously on top of the casserole and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this indulgent, cheesy masterpiece!

A Slice of Tennessee Comfort This dish truly lives up to its million-dollar name, offering rich flavors with every bite. The creamy layers of cheese mixed with the savory meat sauce provide a satisfying experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply cooking up a warm meal on a chilly Tennessee evening, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Bring a taste of Tennessee to your kitchen with this classic Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a dish that combines classic pasta with a rich, creamy cheese layer and savory meat sauce, making it a perfect comfort food. This Tennessee-inspired version brings in southern charm with layers of flavor that can turn any meal into a special occasion.

The Ultimate Comfort Dish

This recipe stands out by blending multiple types of cheeses—cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and shredded cheddar. The combination creates a creamy and satisfying middle layer, while the spaghetti noodles are bathed in a rich tomato and meat sauce. The dish is finished off with a layer of gooey, melted cheese on top, making each bite feel indulgent.

This casserole is especially popular in southern states like Tennessee, where hearty, comfort meals are a tradition. Whether you're making it for a family gathering or a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Recipe: Tennessee-Style Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar of spaghetti sauce (about 24 oz)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ lb cottage cheese or ricotta (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• 16 oz spaghetti
• Grated cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Boil the spaghetti: Cook your spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
4. Cook the meat sauce: Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain the fat and stir in the spaghetti sauce. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Layer the casserole:
6. • Place a few slices of butter in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   • Add half of the spaghetti to the dish.
   • Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
   • Add the rest of the spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
   • Pour the meat sauce on top and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Add the cheese: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and top with grated cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
9. Serve: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

A Delicious Southern Tradition

This casserole is all about comfort—layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce baked to perfection. It's ideal for making ahead, as you can prepare it a day in advance or freeze leftovers for later. You can also customize it by swapping in different types of cheese or meat (such as Italian sausage for extra flavor). Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips:

• Customize the cheese: Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great alternatives to cheddar, providing a melty, delicious top layer​(Taste of Home)​(Spend With Pennies)​(Insanely Good Recipes).
• Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie version​(Insanely Good Recipes).

This dish is not just a meal—it's a million-dollar experience that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and craving more!