Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 oz spaghetti noodles; 1 lb ground beef; 24 oz marinara sauce; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you're in the mood for pure comfort, look no further than this delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti. It's a dreamy fusion of rich, cheesy goodness, savory meat, and perfectly al dente noodles, all baked into a casserole that's sure to steal the show. Whether it's a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a weeknight when you just need something special, this dish fits the bill. Let's get cooking!

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Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Spaghetti

Ultra-creamy layers and bubbling cheese make every bite irresistible.
Simple ingredients come together quickly for a show-stopping dish.
Perfect for meal prep—feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing—it disappears fast!
Customizable with your favorite cheeses and proteins.

Ingredients

16 oz spaghetti noodles
1 lb ground beef
½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and ½ cup of Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Place half of the cooked spaghetti in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Dot with half the butter pieces.
Spread all the creamy cheese mixture over the noodle layer.
Add remaining noodles, dot with remaining butter, and pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an extra 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For best texture, don't overcook your noodles—al dente is key since they'll bake longer.
The cream cheese mixture spreads easier at room temperature.
Feel free to prepare up to a day ahead—just cover tightly and refrigerate until baking.

Variations

Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti: Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Four-Cheese: Add provolone or fontina for extra cheesy richness.

Required Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet
9x13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Aluminum foil

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette.
Pair with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every drop of sauce.
A glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda makes a perfect match.

Pro Tips

Let the casserole rest before slicing for neat, perfect squares.
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Lightly spray your foil with nonstick spray to prevent the cheese from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?: Yes—cottage cheese works well if you want a lighter texture, just be sure to drain it thoroughly first.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?: Cook the pasta al dente and be careful not to use too much sauce; draining well will also help maintain texture.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes