Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and comforting casserole featuring layers of al dente spaghetti, rich meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, and a creamy blend of cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a delicious twist on traditional spaghetti with its creamy cheese layers and savory meat sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce

16 ounces spaghetti noodles
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
3 tablespoons butter

Cheese Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the assembled casserole.
Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove most of the grease. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce and set aside.
Prepare Noodles: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer the hot pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add butter and the reserved 1/2 cup of marinara sauce, then toss gently to combine.
Make Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage or ricotta cheese until well combined.
Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking pan, spread half of the buttered noodles evenly. Smooth the cheese mixture over the noodles. Add the remaining noodles on top, then spread the meat sauce over the pasta layer evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Check around 20 minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t brown too quickly; tent with foil if needed.
Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting, to let it set. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Million Dollar Spaghetti!

Notes

To Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the assembly step, then cover and refrigerate for up to one day before baking.
To Freeze: Assemble up to the baking step, cover with greased aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days before baking or bake from frozen with adjusted times.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat entirely or use plant-based meat substitutes.
Meat Variations: You can use just ground beef or Italian sausage alone if preferred.
Pasta Alternatives: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use your favorite pasta type.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximate)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 605 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 17 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg