DELICIOUS MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI BAKE RECIPE

 The best way to describe million dollar spaghetti is that it combines spaghetti and lasagna into one epic casserole. It’s loaded with layers of spaghetti noodles arranged in layers with cheese and hearty meat sauce for the ultimate comfort food.

MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI BAKE INGREDIENTS

You’ll need:

• 16 ounces uncooked spaghetti noodles
• 2 (24-ounce) jars of spaghetti sauce
• ½ cup butter, cut in half and sliced thinly
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced 
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sour cream 
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 
• Optional: parsley for garnish

HOW TO MAKE THIS MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI RECIPE

STEP ONE: In a large pot, cook the spaghetti to al dente according to package directions (about 8 minutes). Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir 4 tablespoons of sliced butter into the hot spaghetti.

STEP TWO: Add 1 jar of spaghetti sauce into the cooked noodles until they are coated. Set aside. 

STEP THREE: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Add the cloves of garlic and cook for one minute more. Drain any extra grease. Pour the remaining jar of spaghetti sauce into the meat mixture and stir. Set this aside as well.

STEP FOUR: In a medium-sized bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese.

STEP FIVE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish (or 10 x 14-inch lasagna pan) and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the bottom. 

STEP SIX: Next you will create the layers of noodles, pasta sauce, and shredded cheese.

STEP SEVEN: Spread half of the spaghetti noodles in the bottom of the pan.

STEP EIGHT: Then spread the cheese mixture over top of the noodles.

STEP NINE: Place the remaining spaghetti noodles over the cheese mixture.

STEP TEN: Pour the meat sauce onto the top of the spaghetti noodles.

STEP ELEVEN: Top with the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese. 

STEP TWELVE: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and barely golden brown. Let it sit for 5 to 10 so that it’s easier to cut when serving. Allowing it to cool will make it easier to slice. One of the best parts of making million-dollar spaghetti is getting to slice it and see all of the amazing layers of cheese and noodles.

HOW TO SERVE MILLION DOLLAR SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE

Sprinkle a little bit of parmesan cheese on top of your million dollar casserole and add garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart bread along with a Caesar salad and you will have a hearty and filling meal.

MILLION DOLLAR BAKED SPAGHETTI STORAGE

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers of this pasta casserole for up to three days in the fridge in an airtight container.

IN THE FREEZER: Million dollar spaghetti is easy to freeze. Store it in an airtight container or cover it in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. 

REHEATING: When you’re ready to eat your casserole, bake it for an hour or defrost it in the fridge overnight and bake for 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for browned edges and melted cheese to know when it’s done.

This million dollar spaghetti casserole is a family favorite that’s a simple, budget-friendly dinner idea. Save this recipe for the next time you need to cook for a crowd or are craving a twist on classic spaghetti.