Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, layered casserole combining al dente spaghetti noodles with a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and bubbling mozzarella and parmesan cheeses baked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, delivering hearty flavors with a luscious creamy texture.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to get ready for baking the casserole.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage. Season with salt and pepper. Remove most of the grease. Then add chopped onions and minced garlic and cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce and set this meat sauce mixture aside.
- Prepare Noodles: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the noodles, place them hot in a large mixing bowl, and toss with butter and the reserved 1/2 cup marinara sauce until well combined.
- Make Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour half of the spaghetti noodles into a 9×13 inch baking pan, spread the cheese layer evenly over the noodles, then top with the remaining noodles. Pour the meat sauce on top and smooth it into an even layer. Finish by sprinkling shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Check at around 20 minutes and tent with foil if cheese is browning too quickly. Allow the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving to let it set.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to assembly step a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator 1-2 days before baking.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit meat or substitute with plant-based meat alternatives.
- Meat Variations: Use either ground beef or Italian sausage alone, or both for richer flavor.
- Pasta Options: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other pasta shapes you prefer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/15th of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 605mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
