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–+ servings

Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake

A rich and comforting casserole that combines spaghetti with a creamy cheese layer and savory meat sauce, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Spaghetti
  • 1 pound spaghetti
Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar tomato sauce
Creamy Cheese Filling
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and black pepper
Cheesy Topping
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • 9x13-inch baking dish,
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with generously salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. A little drizzle of olive oil can keep it from sticking.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Now, reduce the heat to medium, pour in your tomato sauce, and let it gently simmer.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the cooked spaghetti evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, spoon the creamy cheese filling over the spaghetti, spreading it into a distinct layer. Top the cheese layer with the remaining spaghetti. Finally, pour the savory meat sauce all over the top, making sure it covers everything.
  5. In a small bowl, toss together the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this cheese blend generously over the meat sauce.
  6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are starting to turn a beautiful golden brown.
  7. Once you pull it from the oven, let the Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake rest for about 10 minutes. Just before you dig in, sprinkle with some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For best results, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing the filling. This helps you get a super smooth, lump free layer. Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking is crucial for clean slices.
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