Description

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta casserole that combines tender spaghetti with a hearty meat sauce, a luscious cream cheese mixture, and a generous topping of melted mozzarella. This comforting dish offers an easier, lasagna-inspired meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or make-ahead freezer options.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

1 pound spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter (for tossing cooked pasta)

For the Meat Sauce

1 pound ground beef
½ pound Italian sausage (optional, or use all ground beef)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Cheese Mixture

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
1 cup sour cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

For Topping

2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Spaghetti: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter to keep it from sticking, then set aside.
Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain off excess fat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to develop flavor, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Take about one cup of your meat sauce and mix it directly into the cooked spaghetti to infuse it with flavor.
Assemble Casserole: Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti. Then add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer. Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the top.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top of the casserole.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly and slightly golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set. Serve warm with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

This dish is a cheesy, creamy alternative to lasagna that’s easier and faster to prepare.
It can be made ahead and frozen before baking for convenient meal prep.
Use either ricotta or cottage cheese depending on availability and preference.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper towards the end of simmering.
For a spicier option, consider adding red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 778 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 1052 mg
Fat: 46 g
Saturated Fat: 23 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 154 mg