Description
This baked spaghetti casserole blends the heartiness of pasta with the creaminess of cheese and richness of meat sauce, making it a true comfort food classic. The “million dollar” name comes from the luxurious texture created by layering spaghetti with a creamy cheese mixture and savory meat sauce, then topping it all with melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
1 pound spaghetti
Water for boiling
Salt for pasta water
For the meat sauce:
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) marinara or spaghetti sauce
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
For the cheese layer:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease. Add the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer with the cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti on top.
Pour the meat sauce over the layered spaghetti and spread evenly.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, making it a great option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for added flavor, or use a blend. The cheese mixture can be adjusted based on preference—ricotta can be used entirely in place of cottage cheese.