Description
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole is a hearty and comforting layered pasta dish featuring spaghetti noodles, a rich meat sauce made with Italian sausage and ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 2 jars (24 ounce each) marinara sauce, any variety
Cheese Mixture
- 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- ½ cup butter, sliced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and toss with one jar of marinara sauce. Set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage along with the diced onion and pressed garlic. Drain excess grease, then stir in the second jar of marinara sauce. Simmer until heated through and flavors meld.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced butter evenly in the bottom of a 13×9 inch deep dish casserole. Layer half of the spaghetti mixed with marinara over the butter. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over this layer. Top with the remaining spaghetti, then spread the meat sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat mixture to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version if preferred.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
