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Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

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This million dollar spaghetti casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, creamy, meaty, and baked to golden perfection. With layers of pasta, marinara meat sauce, and a luscious cheese blend, it’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb spaghetti, cooked al dente
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta) until smooth.
  6. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti in the baking dish. Dot with half the butter.
  7. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  8. Add remaining spaghetti on top and dot with remaining butter.
  9. Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti layers and spread evenly.
  10. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  11. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
  12. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate until baking.
  • Add-ins: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.
  • Cheese Options: Substitute ricotta for cottage cheese, if desired.
  • Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or use spicy sausage.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace spaghetti with spaghetti squash strands.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/million-dollar-spaghetti-casserole/