Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a rich and comforting baked pasta dish that combines the best of lasagna and spaghetti in one delicious casserole. It features layers of tender spaghetti noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, savory seasoned ground beef (or sausage), and a flavorful marinara sauce, all baked together with melted cheese on top. The result is a decadent, cheesy, and satisfying meal that tastes like a million bucks! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete and irresistible meal.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling spaghetti)
- Skillet (for browning ground beef)
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Colander (for draining spaghetti)
- Mixing Bowls (optional, for layering ingredients)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
Ingredients
- 16 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup butter sliced
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1/ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- 2/ In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- 3/ In a greased 9x13 baking dish, layer half of the sliced butter on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti over the butter.
- 4/ Top the spaghetti with the cottage cheese, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining spaghetti, then dot with the rest of the butter.
- 5/ Pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti, spreading it to cover. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- 6/ Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.