Description

Welcome, dear food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the rich and creamy world of Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole, a dish that brings a luxurious touch to a budget-friendly meal. With layers of cheesy goodness and savory meat sauce, it’s easy to see why this dish is called the “Million Dollar Spaghetti.” Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will soon become one of your favorites!

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces of spaghetti noodles (cooked and drained)
1 pound of ground beef (substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 pound of Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy based on preference)
24 ounces of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
1 cup of cottage cheese (can be substituted with ricotta cheese)
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Optional Substitutions:

Pasta: Swap out the spaghetti noodles for ziti or rigatoni for a fun twist.
Cheese: Use ricotta in place of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
Meat: Combine beef with turkey or use pork sausage for added flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce over the meat mixture. Stir to combine and let it simmer on low for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well blended.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti noodles in the bottom of the dish.
Spoon the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Add the remaining noodles over the cheese mixture.

Step 6: Top with Meat Sauce and Cheese

Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of noodles and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and onions will enhance the flavor of your sauce.
Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta (al dente) as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Add Herbs: Sprinkle in some fresh basil or parsley to brighten up the flavor profile.