Description
Million-Dollar Spaghetti is the perfect mash-up of baked spaghetti and lasagna—layered with a rich meat sauce, a creamy cheese center, and plenty of gooey melted cheese on top. It’s easy to prep, feeds a crowd, and is pure comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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16 oz spaghetti noodles
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3 tablespoons butter, sliced
For the Meat Sauce:
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1/2 lb ground beef
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1/2 lb Italian sausage
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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24 oz marinara sauce (reserve 1/2 cup for layering)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
Toppings:
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in marinara (reserve ½ cup for later). Simmer for 5–10 minutes. -
Make the Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth. -
Assemble the Casserole:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Place half the butter slices in a greased 9×13” baking dish.
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Add half the spaghetti noodles.
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Spread the cheese mixture evenly over noodles.
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Layer remaining noodles on top, followed by remaining butter slices.
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Pour meat sauce over everything and spread evenly.
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Drizzle reserved marinara sauce over the top if desired.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
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Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until hot and bubbly. If cheese starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil. -
Cool & Serve:
Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Notes
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Want extra creaminess? Add more sour cream or a bit of heavy cream to the cheese mixture.
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Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother texture.
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Great make-ahead meal! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.