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MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Yesica Andrews

Million Dollar Spaghetti: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole that has become a favorite for gatherings and family dinners. This million dollar spaghetti casserole combines layers of tender spaghetti noodles, a rich homemade meat sauce, and a velvety cheese mixture making it both budget friendly and incredibly satisfying. Perfect as a hearty main course, this creamy million dollar spaghetti recipe is simple to prepare and loved by all.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 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

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain most of the fat. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions turn translucent. Add all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce, reserving that 1/2 cup for later, then mix everything well and set aside.
  3. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately place it in a large bowl. Add butter and the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce to the hot noodles and toss until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
  5. In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, spread half of the spaghetti evenly. Layer the cheese mixture on top, smoothing it over the noodles. Add the remaining spaghetti as the next layer.
  6. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer of noodles and spread it out.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and freshly grated parmesan over the casserole.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and bubbly. Around the 20-minute mark, check the top; if the cheese is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
  9. Allow the casserole to cool and set for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Notes

  • To prepare ahead, assemble the casserole through the layering step and refrigerate covered for up to one day before baking. You can also prep the sauce, noodles, and cheese separately 1 to 3 days in advance and combine just before baking. For freezing, assemble the casserole and cover tightly with foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge 1-2 days before baking. Vegetarian option: omit meat or substitute plant-based sausage. Use your preferred pasta type if desired. Leftover sausage can be saved for other recipes like baked ziti or pizza casserole.