Description
Rich layers of comfort define Million-Dollar Spaghetti, a hearty Italian-American casserole blending creamy cheeses, savory ground beef, and al dente pasta. Melted mozzarella and tangy marinara create pure dinner magic that will satisfy deep comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 3 tbsps butter, sliced
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce (reserve ½ cup for layering)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring an al dente texture. Drain and set aside for layering.
- Meat Sauce Creation: In a robust skillet, brown ground beef and sausage thoroughly. Eliminate excess fat, then incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent. Integrate marinara sauce, reserving a portion for final drizzling. Allow sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors.
- Cheese Blend Development: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. This creamy mixture will serve as a luxurious intermediate layer.
- Casserole Construction: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Strategically arrange butter slices across the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the spaghetti noodles, spread the cheese mixture evenly, then top with remaining noodles and butter. Generously pour meat sauce across the entire surface. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a golden, appetizing finish. Optional: Drizzle reserved marinara for additional moisture.
- Baking Performance: Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the casserole becomes effervescent and cheese melts beautifully. Should cheese brown too rapidly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serving Presentation: Allow casserole to rest 10-15 minutes, enabling it to set and facilitating cleaner, more attractive serving portions.
Notes
- Select high-quality spaghetti that holds sauce well and maintains texture after baking.
- Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a rich, creamy consistency.
- Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until completely smooth to create a luxurious, even layer.
- Brown meat completely and drain excess grease to prevent oily texture and concentrate flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg