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Close-up of million dollar spaghetti with meat sauce and cheese on a white plate.
Reda

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

A rich, cheesy, and indulgent pasta bake that combines layers of creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and tender spaghetti for a dish that truly tastes like a million bucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz spaghetti
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 0.5 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 24 oz marinara sauce high-quality
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.25 cup red wine optional
  • 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Cheese Layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup cottage cheese
  • 0.25 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp salt
For Assembly
  • 0.5 cup butter divided
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated and divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the spaghetti. Cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add marinara sauce, tomato paste, and red wine (if using). Stir well and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Prepare Cheese Layer
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Casserole
  1. Butter the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the baking dish.
  3. Pour half of the meat sauce over the spaghetti, then spread half of the cheese mixture on top.
  4. Sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella and half cup of grated parmesan.
  5. Repeat the layers with remaining spaghetti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.
  6. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
  7. Dot the top with pieces of the remaining butter.
  8. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Serving
  1. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold. Leftovers are delicious the next day.