Alabama's Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole: A Hearty Southern Comfort Dish

Photo bysuci salamah

In Alabama, where family dinners are a cherished tradition, there’s one dish that never fails to make an appearance at the table: the Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole. Known for its rich, creamy layers and satisfying flavor, this casserole has become a staple in many Southern homes. Its name promises a luxurious meal, but in reality, it's made from simple, affordable ingredients found in any pantry. Despite its humble ingredients, the dish brings a million-dollar taste that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is the epitome of Southern comfort food. Imagine a blend of tender noodles, creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and rich spaghetti sauce, baked together until bubbly and golden. The result is a hearty dish that's both comforting and filling, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. In Alabama, where food is more than just sustenance—it's a way to bring people together—this casserole truly shines as a family favorite.

Recipe: Alabama’s Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup butter, sliced into slabs
• 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti noodles

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti noodles until they are al dente, drain them, and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
4. In a skillet, sauté the ground beef until it is fully browned, then drain any excess fat. Stir in the jar of spaghetti sauce and simmer briefly.
5. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, place several slabs of butter along the bottom.
6. Lay down half of the cooked noodles on top of the butter.
7. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodle layer.
8. Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese mixture and dot the top with more butter slices.
9. Pour the meat and spaghetti sauce mixture over the noodles.
10. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

A Hearty Southern Dish for Every Occasion

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is more than just a meal—it's a crowd-pleaser, an invitation to gather around the table, and a symbol of Alabama's warm hospitality. Its creamy, cheesy filling pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce, creating a blend of flavors that feel both indulgent and comforting.

Whether it’s served at a Sunday dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish captures the essence of home-cooked Alabama cuisine. And the best part? It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy families looking to share a delicious, satisfying meal. The layers of noodles, rich cheese mixture, and hearty meat sauce come together to create a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

When you serve this casserole, you're not just offering a meal—you're sharing a piece of Alabama tradition, where every bite is made with love and care. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a new family favorite.

The Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a true Southern comfort dish that brings together layers of pasta, rich cheeses, and a hearty meat sauce, resulting in a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. This casserole, popular in Alabama kitchens, combines creamy cheeses like cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream with flavorful spaghetti and ground beef, all topped with a layer of melted cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey, bubbly finish.

What makes this dish special is the blend of ingredients that form the layers. The base consists of spaghetti noodles tossed with butter, followed by a layer of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, which gives the dish its rich and creamy texture. Then, a meat sauce made from ground beef and marinara is poured over the top, with additional cheese added for that signature golden, cheesy crust.

Recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup butter, sliced into slabs
• 1 package (16 oz) spaghetti noodles

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through, then drain the fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer.
4. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
5. Layer butter slices in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place half of the cooked spaghetti on top of the butter.
6. Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by the remaining noodles.
7. Top the casserole with the meat sauce and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Add grated cheddar cheese and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks because it feeds a crowd and can be prepared in advance. You can also make it your own by adding extra herbs like parsley or using different cheeses​(Spend With Pennies)​(Insanely Good Recipes)​(The Cookin Chicks).