When you want to elevate pasta night from everyday to extraordinary, Million Dollar Spaghetti is your answer. This ultra-creamy, cheesy pasta casserole combines the best elements of spaghetti and lasagna into one incredible dish. With layers of hearty meat sauce, cream cheese, and melty mozzarella, it definitely lives up to its rich name!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your ordinary spaghetti casserole – it’s a show-stopping pasta bake that combines a rich meat sauce with a creamy, cheesy middle layer that melts into pure comfort food heaven. Perfect for feeding a crowd or having amazing leftovers, this dish proves that sometimes more is definitely more!

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Meat Sauce:

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Additional Ingredients:

• 16 oz spaghetti
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment Needed:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Colander
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Phase (10 minutes)

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Butter 9×13 baking dish
• Bring large pot of salted water to boil

1. Make Meat Sauce (15 minutes)

• Brown ground beef with onion and garlic
• Drain excess fat
• Add marinara and seasonings
• Simmer 10 minutes

1. Prepare Cheese Mixture (10 minutes)

• Beat cream cheese until smooth
• Mix in cottage cheese and sour cream
• Stir in 2 cups mozzarella and Parmesan
• Add Italian seasoning

1. Cook Pasta (10 minutes)

• Cook spaghetti 2 minutes less than package directions
• Reserve 1 cup pasta water
• Drain and toss with 1/4 cup butter

1. Layer the Casserole (10 minutes)
   Layer in this order:

• Half of buttered spaghetti
• Cheese mixture
• Remaining spaghetti
• Meat sauce
• Remaining mozzarella
• Dot with remaining butter

1. Bake (45 minutes)

• Cover with foil
• Bake 30 minutes
• Uncover and bake 15 minutes until bubbly
• Let rest 10 minutes before serving

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue cooking in the oven
• Let cream cheese come to room temperature for smooth mixing
• Reserve pasta water to thin sauce if needed
• Use freshly grated cheese for best melting
• Let casserole rest before cutting

Variations & Add-ins

Meat Options:

• Italian sausage and ground beef mix
• Ground turkey for lighter version
• Add mushrooms for vegetarian option

Cheese Variations:

• Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese
• Add provolone layer
• Mix in different cheese blends

Flavor Boosters:

• Add red pepper flakes for heat
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms
• Add spinach to cheese layer
• Use vodka sauce instead of marinara

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-Ahead Options:

• Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
• Cover and refrigerate
• Add 10-15 minutes to baking time

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator

Reheating:

• Individual portions in microwave
• Whole casserole covered at 350°F
• Add a splash of marinara if needed

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Too Dry

• Don’t overcook pasta initially
• Add reserved pasta water
• Cover while reheating

Problem: Too Watery

• Let rest longer before serving
• Drain meat well after cooking
• Use thick marinara sauce

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Choose shapes that hold sauce well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace meat with mushrooms, vegetables, or meat alternatives.

Why is it called Million Dollar Spaghetti?
The name comes from its rich, decadent combination of ingredients.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, but the texture and richness will be different.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Toss with butter while hot and don’t overcook.

Million Dollar Spaghetti is more than just a casserole – it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The combination of al dente pasta, rich meat sauce, and that incredible creamy cheese layer creates a dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to make any night feel special. The key to success is in the layering and not rushing the process. Let each component shine, and you’ll have a pasta bake that truly tastes like a million bucks!