Million Dollar Spaghetti

A decadent twist on traditional pasta bake, Million Dollar Spaghetti lives up to its name with layers of indulgent flavors and textures. This hearty casserole features al dente spaghetti noodles enrobed in a rich blend of melted cheeses and a robust meat sauce. The centerpiece is a velvety layer of cream cheese mixed with sour cream that melts into the pasta, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout. Seasoned ground beef or Italian sausage adds savory depth, while the homestyle marinara brings bright tomato notes that balance the dish's richness. Topped with a golden, bubbly layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, each serving pulls apart with Instagram-worthy cheese pulls. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this comfort food classic delivers restaurant-quality indulgence that makes any dinner feel special—no wonder it earned its luxurious name!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground sirloin
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 32 ounces marinara sauce, divided
• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef and sausage and cook, crumbling with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 cups marinara sauce; bring to a simmer.  Reduce heat to low and simmer while pasta cooks.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender with a bite, about 7 minutes. Drain; return spaghetti to the pot. Stir in 3 1/2 tablespoons butter and remaining marinara sauce. 
4. Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, remaining salt, pepper, and 1 cup mozzarella in a medium bowl and stir until well incorporated.
5. Add half of pasta to the casserole dish. Spread cheese mixture evenly over pasta. Add remaining pasta; cut remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter into thin slices, and arrange over pasta. Top with meat sauce mixture, remaining 2 cups mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Place casserole dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and browned and pasta is bubbling around the edges, 40 to 50 minutes. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Recipes by  Nicole McLaughlin

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