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Million Dollar Spaghetti

A creamy, cheesy casserole layered with spaghetti, savory ground beef, and rich cheeses, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz spaghetti Cook until al dente.
  • 24 oz marinara sauce For a rich tomato flavor.
Meat
  • 1 lb ground beef and/or Italian sausage Choose based on preference.
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Infuses flavor into the meat.
  • 1 tbsp dried minced onion Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning Elevates the dish's flavor profile.
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt Enhances flavor.
Cheese Mixture
  • 8 oz cream cheese Contributes to creamy texture.
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta Provides additional creaminess.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds gooey texture.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Adds sharpness to the topping.
Others
  • 2 tbsp olive oil To drizzle over spaghetti.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 13x9 baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  3. Boil water and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Drain cooked spaghetti and layer it in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Fold in marinara sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese with the spaghetti.
  6. Drizzle olive oil over the spaghetti mixture.
  7. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned.
  8. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  9. Add minced garlic, dried minced onion, Italian seasoning, and seasoning salt; cook for 1 minute.
  10. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
Assembly
  1. Spread the meat sauce mixture over the spaghetti layer.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta, ½ cup mozzarella, ½ cup cheddar cheese, and salt and pepper.
  3. Dollop and spread the cheese mixture over the meat sauce.
  4. Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  3. Reheat as needed in the oven or microwave.
  4. This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months.

Notes

Let the casserole rest after baking for easier serving. Consider using fresh herbs or a blend of cheeses to elevate the dish.