Million Dollar Spaghetti
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
15
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Calories
350 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti blends cooked spaghetti noodles tossed with butter and marinara sauce, a meat sauce of ground beef and Italian sausage sautéed with onion and garlic, and a smooth cheese layer made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. The dish is assembled with these components layered in a casserole dish, finished with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Baking at 350°F melds the flavors and creates a bubbly, golden crust on the cheese.
The contrast of tender pasta, creamy cheese layer, and rich meat sauce defines the texture and flavor profile of this casserole. The butter and reserved marinara sauce mixed with the noodles prevent dryness, while the combination of cheeses adds richness and moisture. The browned top cheese layer gives a slight crispness that complements the creamy middle.
This dish serves well as an all-in-one meal, suitable for feeding a family or group and can be paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables if desired. It also works well for preparing ahead, making it practical for busy cooks or entertaining.
Notes provide valuable tips for make-ahead preparation and freezing options to save time. Meat substitutes and pasta variations can be used depending on preference or dietary needs, making this recipe adaptable.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage or pork sausage, ground
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2/3 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a large skillet cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage and season with salt and pepper. Remove most of the grease. Add onions and garlic and cook for a few minutes until onion is translucent. Add all but 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce (reserve 1/2 cup for later) to the mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Prepare noodles: Cook Spaghetti according to package instructions, just until “al dente”. Drain, and place hot spaghetti in a large mixing bowl with butter and 1/2 cup reserved marinara sauce and toss to combine.
- Make Cheese layer: Combine cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl and mix well.
- Assemble: Pour HALF of the pasta into a 9x13’’ pan. Smooth cheese layer on top. Top with remaining noodles. Add meat sauce on top and smooth into an even layer. Top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Check it around 20 minutes and if the cheese is browning too quickly, tent a piece of tinfoil over it. Wait at least 15 minutes before cutting and serving, to allow it to set up. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole up to a day ahead before baking; cover and refrigerate until ready.
- Freeze the assembled dish for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge 1-2 days before baking.
- Vegetarian version: omit meat or substitute plant-based meat alternatives.
- If using both ground beef and sausage, extra sausage can be saved for other recipes.
- Spaghetti is traditional here, but feel free to use your preferred pasta shape.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 350kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 605mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 356mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 640IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 163mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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