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A dish of million dollar spaghetti topped with melted cheese and basil leaves.

Million Dollar Spaghetti

This indulgent layered spaghetti casserole features tender pasta, rich cream cheese mixture, and hearty meat sauce topped with melted cheese that tastes like a million bucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 lb spaghetti pasta
  • 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cream Layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
For the Topping
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of water to boil, add salt, then cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Cream Layer
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, melted butter, cottage cheese, and chopped chives. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread the entire cream cheese mixture evenly over the spaghetti layer.
  3. Top with remaining spaghetti, then pour the meat sauce evenly over the top layer of pasta.
  4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the entire casserole.
Bake and Serve
  1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  2. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, prepare all ingredients before starting. This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.