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Million Dollar Spaghetti served with cheese and herbs on a plate

Million Dollar Spaghetti

This Million Dollar Spaghetti is a comforting layered pasta dish featuring a hearty meat sauce and a creamy cheese layer, perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 pound spaghetti Regular or whole wheat, cooked al dente
  • 2 tablespoons butter To toss the hot pasta and keep it from sticking
  • 1 pound ground beef Base of the meaty sauce
  • ½ pound turkey or chicken Italian-style sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar; store-bought is fine for speed
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Or a mix of dried basil and oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season as you go
Cheese Layer Ingredients
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Creates the silky richness
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Or cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream Adds tang and creaminess
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For a salty flavor in the topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For the melty finish
Optional Add-ons
  • to taste Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms Sauté with the onion for extra texture
  • to taste Crushed red pepper For a little heat
  • to taste Fresh basil or parsley for garnish Brightens the dish
  • to taste Lemon zest into the cheese mixture Adds brightness
  • 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen, squeezed dry Fold into the cheese layer for a green boost

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.
  3. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and immediately toss it with butter.
  4. Reserve a small cup of pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later.
Cooking the Meat Sauce
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and sausage, cooking until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, another 3–4 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
  5. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  6. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  7. Let the sauce simmer on low for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Preparing the Cheese Layer
  1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream. Blend until smooth.
  2. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
  3. Stir in herbs if desired.
Assembling the Casserole
  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
  2. Layer half the buttered spaghetti in the dish, followed by half the cheese mixture and half the meat sauce.
  3. Repeat with remaining spaghetti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
Baking
  1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze for 2–3 months. Optionally, can be made vegetarian by using meat substitutes.