creamy cheesy pasta bake

The Best Homemade Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

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What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor to the table like no other. It’s simple to make, yet tastes like a million bucks—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. You’ll love how the creamy cheese layers melt together with the savory sauce, creating a mouthwatering bite every time. The recipe is budget-friendly, using everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s super versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins.

Recipe

cheesy spaghetti casserole delight

This rich and indulgent casserole combines layers of spaghetti, meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture for a dish that’s truly worth its name.

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz spaghetti
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup butter, sliced
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the spaghetti, half the butter slices, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
  6. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Notes:

  • Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
  • Substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.

Equipment:

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Time:

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: Italian-American

Serving: 8-10 servings

Nutrition

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Nutrition Amount per Serving
Calories 450 kcal
Total Fat 22 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 75 mg
Sodium 800 mg
Total Carbs 40 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugars 5 g
Protein 20 g

What To Serve With It

I love serving my million dollar spaghetti with warm, buttery garlic bread—it’s the perfect way to soak up every last bit of sauce. A crisp, fresh salad on the side adds a nice crunch and balances out the rich flavors. You can’t go wrong with these simple pairings that make the meal feel complete.

Garlic Bread Pairing

When I’m serving up a big plate of Million Dollar Spaghetti, I always make sure there’s garlic bread on the side—it’s like the perfect teammate to this cheesy, saucy dish! The warm, buttery bread with a hint of garlic perfectly balances the richness of the spaghetti. I love to toast it just until it’s crispy on the edges but still soft inside. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little parsley or grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. It’s not just a side; it’s a must-have that makes every bite even more satisfying. Trust me, you’ll wanna dunk it in that sauce!

Fresh Salad Options

Even though Million Dollar Spaghetti is rich and indulgent, pairing it with a fresh salad lightens up the meal and adds a burst of crispness to each bite. I love a simple garden salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber—it’s invigorating and balances the pasta’s heaviness. A Caesar salad works too, with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss in some arugula, shaved Parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette for a tangy kick. The key is keeping it light, so the salad complements, not competes with, the star of the show. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

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