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Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti is a rich and creamy baked pasta casserole blending savory meat sauce, cheesy layers, and tender spaghetti for a comforting and indulgent meal. This versatile and easy-to-make dish is perfect for feeding families or entertaining guests with a crowd-pleasing classic.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 15

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage
  • Salt and 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 shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare the meat sauce by cooking and crumbling the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain most of the grease, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent. Stir in all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce, reserving that ½ cup for later, and set the mixture aside. Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and place the hot pasta in a large mixing bowl; add the butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce, tossing to combine. For the cheese layer, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until well blended. To assemble, spread half of the pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then evenly layer the cheese mixture on top. Add the remaining noodles over the cheese, then pour the meat sauce over everything, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake for 30-40 minutes until hot and bubbly, checking at around 20 minutes to cover with foil if the cheese begins to brown too fast. Allow the casserole to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

To Make Ahead: You can prepare this spaghetti casserole up to one day in advance. Follow the recipe through step 6 (just before baking), then allow it to cool. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can prepare the sauce, noodles, and cheese layer 1 to 3 days ahead and assemble the casserole right before baking.
To Freeze: Prepare the recipe through the step before baking. Cover the dish tightly with greased aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Then bake covered for about 20 minutes, followed by 20-25 minutes uncovered until heated through and bubbly. If baking directly from frozen, bake covered for approximately 40 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 30-40 minutes or until thoroughly warmed and bubbly.
Vegetarian Million Dollar Spaghetti: Simply omit the meat or substitute with plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.