Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a hearty and creamy baked pasta casserole featuring a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a rich cheese mixture layered with spaghetti and marinara sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 16 oz spaghetti
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Cheeses
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Fats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced into pats
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Sauté Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti on the bottom, then spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
- Add Meat and Cheese Toppings: Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top spaghetti layer. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the sauce. Dot the surface with pats of butter to help achieve a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to let it set. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred for a smoother texture.
- This dish freezes very well. Assemble it ahead of time and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
