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Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti — A Comforting Baked Pasta Classic

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and hearty baked pasta dish that layers spaghetti with a creamy cheese mixture and savory meat sauce. This casserole style meal combines the comforting flavors of lasagna with the simplicity of spaghetti for a satisfying family dinner.
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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 Inch Baking Dish
  • Colander
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Boil the spaghetti in salted water until it is slightly undercooked by about 2 minutes then drain it and set aside.
  3. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat before adding the diced onion and minced garlic.
  4. Cook the meat mixture until the onion is soft and then drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
  5. Stir the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Combine the softened cream cheese with the cottage cheese and sour cream in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth.
  7. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  8. Spread the entire cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of pasta.
  9. Layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture and then pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
  10. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce layer.
  11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  12. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  13. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving to help it firm up.

Notes

Slightly undercooking the pasta before baking prevents it from becoming mushy in the oven.
Using whole milk ricotta or cottage cheese will result in a much creamier texture for the middle layer.
You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
To freeze the dish wrap it tightly with foil and store for up to 3 months but be sure to thaw it overnight before cooking.