Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million-Dollar Spaghetti: A Hearty and Flavorful Casserole
Indulge in the cheesy goodness of Million-Dollar Spaghetti, a classic and satisfying casserole that’s sure to please. This dish features layers of tender spaghetti, flavorful sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and a generous topping of shredded cheese, creating a truly irresistible combination.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Million-Dollar Spaghetti is incredibly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 lb hamburger
- 3/4 lb Italian sausage
- 3 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 48 ounces marinara sauce, or spaghetti sauce, 2 jars, divided
- 12 ounces cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into slices, divided, optional
- chopped fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Break the pasta in half before you cook it (this will make dividing it later more easy). Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain well and return the pasta to the original pot. Add 24 oz of prepared spaghetti sauce and toss to combine. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add hamburger, sausage and 2 tsp Italian seasoning to skillet, and cook until no pink remains. Drain excess fat. Add the remaining 24 oz of spaghetti sauce to skillet. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- Place half the spaghetti into your baking dish – spreading it evenly. Add half of your sliced butter (if using) on top. Then evenly spread half of your cream cheese mixture on top of the noodles/butter. On top of that, add half of your marinara/meat mixture – spreading evenly.
- Do this layer process a second time. Top the whole casserole dish with more mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered in the preheated oven until the casserole is heated through, about 35-45 minutes. Rest for 15 minutes before serving to let it fully set.
Notes
- If you like it a bit spicier – use only Italian sausage.
- To help keep your oven clean – you may want to put a baking sheet under your casserole in case it spills over.
- For an added kick – you can add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes into your marinara sauce.
- This casserole can be made in advance. If doing this – let it set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking. Add 15 minutes to the baking time.
- Store leftovers in a covered refrigerator – makes delicious leftovers!
Keywords: Main Dish, Dinner, Spaghetti, Cream Cheese, Million Dollar Spaghetti