Million-Dollar Spaghetti

This hearty Million-Dollar Spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food marriage between baked spaghetti and lasagna. The layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and gooey mozzarella create an irresistible dish that feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

I first made this dish for a neighborhood potluck where it disappeared in minutes. Now my family requests it for nearly every gathering, and I love watching everyone's faces light up when they see it coming to the table.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti noodles: create the perfect base that holds up to all the rich layers
• Ground beef and Italian sausage: combination adds incredible depth of flavor
• Cream cheese mixture: creates that million dollar creaminess that makes this dish special
• Marinara sauce: can be storebought for convenience or homemade for extra flavor
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: create that Instagram worthy cheese pull everyone loves
• Butter slices: between pasta layers prevent sticking and add incredible richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil your spaghetti in heavily salted water until just al dente about 8 minutes. You want it slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the other components.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully browned drain the excess fat which prevents a greasy casserole. Add the onions and garlic to the meat and sauté until translucent and fragrant about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in marinara sauce reserving a half cup for later and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes allowing the flavors to marry.

Mix the Cheese Layer:

Combine softened cream cheese sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl until completely smooth. This middle layer is what makes this dish truly luxurious. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in your cheese mixture.

Layer the Casserole:

Start by placing half the butter slices across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds richness. Arrange half the cooked spaghetti in an even layer over the butter. Carefully spread the entire cheese mixture over the noodles making sure to reach the edges. Add the remaining spaghetti as the next layer followed by the remaining butter slices. Pour the meat sauce evenly over everything then drizzle with that reserved marinara. Finally sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses covering every inch.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until the entire casserole is hot and bubbly with beautifully melted golden cheese on top. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to heat thoroughly.

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Make Ahead Instructions

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate make ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare as directed but instead of baking immediately cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats then bake as directed adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with a cold dish.

Freezer Friendly Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes wonderfully making it perfect for meal prep or gifting to new parents or someone in need of a homemade meal. For best results assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by heavy duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed adding additional time as needed.

Creative Variations

While the classic recipe is delicious there are endless ways to customize this dish. Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version or add mushrooms bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables. For a spicier version use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes. You could even try different pasta shapes though spaghetti holds up particularly well to the layers of sauce and cheese.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your Million Dollar Spaghetti meal with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of sauce. For drinks a medium bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully or offer a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non alcoholic option.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I make Million-Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

→ Can I substitute ricotta for cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Ricotta makes an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in this dish, creating a smoother texture in the creamy cheese layer. Use an equal amount (1 cup) in place of the cottage cheese.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.

→ Can I freeze Million-Dollar Spaghetti?

Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.

→ What can I serve with Million-Dollar Spaghetti?

This hearty dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light side complements the richness of the casserole. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh Caesar salad and some warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to cook the vegetables well before adding them to remove excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.