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Million Dollar Spaghetti baked casserole topped with melted cheese and parsley, served in a rustic baking dish.
Sonia Khan

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe - Easy Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta recipe featuring spaghetti, a seasoned meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the kind of hearty family dinner that feels extra special yet easy enough for a busy weeknight.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian, italian-american
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter sliced

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese or ricotta, and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  7. Place half of the cooked spaghetti in the prepared baking dish.
  8. Top with the sliced butter, then spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti.
  9. Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
  10. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the spaghetti.
  11. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
  12. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.
  13. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Soften the cream cheese first so it mixes smoothly.
  • You can use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a softer texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving so the layers hold together better.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.