Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting layered pasta casserole featuring a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese blend, and melted mozzarella and parmesan. This hearty baked dish combines spaghetti noodles with seasoned ground beef and sausage, a rich cream cheese and cottage cheese layer, and a luscious marinara sauce, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner that serves 15.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

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

Pasta and Cheese Layers

16 ounces spaghetti noodles
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

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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, brown and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Drain most of the grease, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Noodles: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and immediately toss them in a large bowl with the butter and the 1/2 cup reserved marinara sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
Make Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage or ricotta cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the coated spaghetti noodles as the first layer. Gently smooth the cheese mixture over the noodles. Add the remaining half of the spaghetti noodles on top, then spread the prepared meat sauce evenly over the pasta. Finish with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the dish is hot and bubbly. Check around 20 minutes; if the cheese begins to brown too quickly, tent the casserole with foil to prevent burning.
Rest and Serve: After baking, let the casserole rest for at least 15 minutes to set before cutting into portions. Serve warm and enjoy your Million Dollar Spaghetti!

Notes

You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Ensure not to overcook the spaghetti noodles, as they will continue to cook in the oven during baking.
Using fresh grated parmesan cheese provides better flavor and melting characteristics than pre-grated cheese.
To reduce grease, drain the meat mixture well before adding the sauce.
The resting time after baking is crucial to help the casserole set and hold its shape when served.