u003cstrongu003eHow long does it take to bake Million Dollar Spaghetti?u003c/strongu003e

Once assembled, it typically bakes for about 40-45 minutes total (20 minutes covered, 20-25 minutes uncovered) at 350°F (175°C). Baking time will be longer if baking from cold (refrigerated) or frozen.

u003cstrongu003eWhat's the best cheese for Million Dollar Spaghetti?u003c/strongu003e

A combination is best! Mozzarella is essential for melting on top. For the creamy layer, ricotta, cottage cheese, and cream cheese are popular choices. Using a mix of ricotta and cream cheese often yields the creamiest result. Don't forget Parmesan for that salty, nutty flavor.

u003cstrongu003eIs Million Dollar Spaghetti similar to lasagna?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, it's very similar in concept – layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese baked together. The main differences are using spaghetti noodles instead of flat lasagna sheets and the specific creamy cheese mixture often found in Million Dollar Spaghetti (especially the inclusion of cottage or cream cheese). It's generally considered easier and quicker to assemble than traditional lasagna.

u003cstrongu003eCan I use different meat besides beef?u003c/strongu003e

Absolutely! Ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), ground turkey, or ground chicken are all great options. Using a mix of ground-beef and sausage is highly recommended for enhanced flavor.

u003cstrongu003eHow do I store leftovers?u003c/strongu003e

Store leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual-portions in the microwave or larger portions covered in the oven.

u003cstrongu003eWhy is my baked spaghetti dry?u003c/strongu003e

This can happen if the pasta isn't cooked al dente (it absorbs too much liquid while baking), if the meat sauce is too thick, or if you didn't drain enough grease from the meat. Ensure your sauce has enough moisture before assembling, and cook the pasta just-until al dente.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 jar (24 oz marinara or pasta sauce); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter (for greasing dish); Extra mozzarella & Parmesan for topping

Description

This creamy, cheesy Million Dollar Spaghetti casserole is the perfect baked comfort food—layered with rich meat sauce, tender spaghetti, and luscious cheese. Easy to make ahead and great for feeding a crowd!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

1 lb spaghetti

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional)
1 medium onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 jar (24 oz marinara or pasta sauce)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other:

2 tbsp butter (for greasing dish)
Extra mozzarella & Parmesan for topping

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Instructions

Boil Pasta: Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef and sausage with diced onion in a large skillet. Drain fat. Add garlic, sauce, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Mix Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, sour cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix well.
Assemble: Butter a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the pasta, then all the cheese mixture, then the rest of the pasta. Top with meat sauce and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest & Serve: Let rest 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Notes

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Letting the casserole rest helps it set for easier serving.

Easily made ahead and great for freezing!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian