Million Dollar Casserole – Creamy, Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort

This is the kind of casserole that disappears fast. It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy, with a savory meat sauce and a golden, bubbly top. Think lasagna vibes without the fuss, and a texture that’s extra cozy thanks to a tangy cream cheese layer.

It’s easy to make, easy to love, and easy to bring to a potluck. If you need a reliable, family-friendly dinner that reheats well, this is it.

Print Recipe

Million Dollar Casserole - Creamy, Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

• 12 ounces egg noodles (or ziti/penne)
• 1 pound ground beef (or half beef/half Italian sausage)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite jar or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Cook the noodles: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion over medium heat until browned.Drain excess fat.
• Add flavor: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
• Make the sauce: Pour in marinara and simmer 5–8 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Mix the creamy layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream until smooth.
• Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Layer 1: Spread half the noodles in the dish. Dot with half the butter pieces.
• Layer 2: Spread all of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles.
• Layer 3: Add half the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and some Parmesan.
• Layer 4: Add remaining noodles and butter, then the rest of the meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Bake: Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
• Rest and serve: Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Layered flavor: Savory meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender noodles in every bite.
• Simple pantry staples: Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble, chill, and bake when you’re ready.
• Crowd-approved: Kids, picky eaters, and guests all say yes to this one.
• Comfort food classic: Feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces egg noodles (or ziti/penne)
• 1 pound ground beef (or half beef/half Italian sausage)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite jar or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It

1. Cook the noodles: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion over medium heat until browned.

   Drain excess fat.

3. Add flavor: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
4. Make the sauce: Pour in marinara and simmer 5–8 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Mix the creamy layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese (or ricotta), and sour cream until smooth.
6. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

7. Layer 1: Spread half the noodles in the dish. Dot with half the butter pieces.
8. Layer 2: Spread all of the cream cheese mixture over the noodles.
9. Layer 3: Add half the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and some Parmesan.
10. Layer 4: Add remaining noodles and butter, then the rest of the meat sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
11. Bake: Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.

    Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

12. Rest and serve: Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve.

Keeping It Fresh

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake.
• Reheat: Warm covered at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in portions.

  Add a splash of water if it seems dry.

Why This is Good for You

• Protein-rich: Ground beef and cheese help keep you full and satisfied.
• Calcium and B vitamins: Dairy brings calcium; beef offers iron and B12.
• Balanced comfort: Pair with a salad or steamed veggies for fiber and freshness.

What Not to Do

• Don’t overcook the noodles: They’ll soften more in the oven and can turn mushy.
• Don’t skip draining the meat: Extra grease makes the casserole oily.
• Don’t rush the rest time: A short rest helps the layers set for cleaner slices.
• Don’t overbake: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s done.

Variations You Can Try

• Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper.
• Veggie boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce.
• Lighter swap: Use ground turkey and part-skim cheeses.
• Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free pasta and check your sauce label.
• White sauce twist: Swap marinara for a light Alfredo and add grilled chicken.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the covered bake time if starting cold.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Ricotta works perfectly.

For a smoother texture, blend ricotta or cottage cheese with the cream cheese before layering.

How do I prevent a watery casserole?

Simmer the sauce until thick, drain meat well, and don’t overcook the noodles. If adding veggies, sauté them first to cook off moisture.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely. Ziti, penne, rotini, or wide egg noodles all work.

Choose shapes that hold sauce well.

How spicy is it?

Mild by default. Adjust heat with crushed red pepper or spicy sausage to taste.

In Conclusion

Million Dollar Casserole is a no-fuss, big-comfort classic that checks every box: hearty, creamy, cheesy, and reliable. It’s great for weeknights, guests, or dropping off to a friend.

Keep the steps simple, let it rest before serving, and watch it become a regular in your rotation.