Name: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz. full-fat cottage cheese; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened; 3 oz. grated parmesan cheese, ~1 cup; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb. 85% ground beef; ½ large white onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon italian seasoning; 48 oz. marinara sauce, divided; 16 oz. spaghetti noodles; 4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, ~1 cup

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Million Dollar Spaghetti is a delightful baked pasta dish that effortlessly combines layers of creamy cheeses, hearty ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, creating a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and fulfilling. With its bubbling mozzarella topping, it’s hard to resist the temptation of diving into a warm, cheesy scoop. This recipe proves that you don’t need to visit an Italian restaurant to experience a plate of pasta heaven; you can whip it up right in your kitchen!

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For me, Million Dollar Spaghetti always brings back memories of family gatherings where we gathered around the table, spoons ready for a hearty helping. It’s budget-friendly and serves a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or even a cozy dinner night in. If you’re looking for a dish that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare, you’ll want to give this recipe a try! I promise you’ll fall in love with every delicious bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Million Dollar Spaghetti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it together in just about an hour and a half, making it manageable for any evening.
Irresistible Flavor: With creamy cheeses and savory beef, the taste is nothing short of heavenly.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant layers and melted cheese are simply irresistible and look fantastic on your dinner table.
Flexible Serving: It’s a killer dish for parties, family meals, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted for your dietary preferences, whether gluten-free or vegetarian.

Ingredients You’ll Need

16 oz. full-fat cottage cheese: The base of our creamy filling; full-fat gives the best flavor and texture. Light versions don’t provide the same richness, but you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute.
8 oz. cream cheese, softened: Adds a velvety texture that complements the cottage cheese. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps.
3 oz. grated parmesan cheese (~1 cup): This salty cheese elevates the overall flavor. You can also use pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
2 large eggs: Binds the cheese mixture together, adding a bit of fluffiness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Be sure to use kosher salt for a more balanced taste.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables. You can substitute with any neutral oil like canola if needed.
1 lb. 85% ground beef: Provides a hearty, rich flavor. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles are excellent alternatives for lighter options.
½ large white onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
3 garlic cloves, minced: For that aromatic kick that makes everything taste better.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a touch of Mediterranean flair. If you like, you can customize it with your favorite herbs.
48 oz. marinara sauce, divided: The base for both the meat and the pasta; choose a brand you love or even make your own for extra freshness.
16 oz. spaghetti noodles: Classic choice! You can swap with other pasta types like penne or gluten-free options if preferred.
4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (~1 cup): The star topping that finishes this dish perfectly, providing that classic stretchy cheese goodness.

How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉. Don’t forget to spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 16 oz. full-fat cottage cheese, 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 3 oz. grated parmesan, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend until creamy and smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once fragrant, add 1 lb. ground beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Stir in ½ diced white onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Combine with Marinara: Pour 24 oz. of the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat and set it aside.
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 16 oz. spaghetti noodles and cook for about 8-9 minutes (1-2 minutes less than the package recommends for al dente). Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Toss the remaining marinara sauce (24 oz.) with the noodles until nicely coated.
Assemble the Dish: Layer half of the noodles at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it gently. Add the remaining half of the noodles, followed by the rest of the cottage cheese mixture. Lastly, spoon the ground beef blend on top, spreading it evenly.
Bake Uncovered: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until bubbly.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, take the dish out and sprinkle 4 oz. of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and turn golden.
Rest Before Serving: Let the Million Dollar Spaghetti sit for about 10 minutes before diving in, giving it time to set up a bit.

Storing & Reheating

For short-term storage, you can keep leftover Million Dollar Spaghetti at room temperature for no more than two hours. If you plan to savor it later, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, transfer it to the freezer where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350℉ for about 20–30 minutes until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Be aware that freezing might change the texture slightly, but a light sprinkle of parmesan before reheating can refresh its flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the spaghetti! Cooking it just shy of al dente will ensure it doesn’t turn mushy in the oven.
For a little zing, consider adding red pepper flakes to your meat mixture for about ¼ teaspoon.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; this prevents clumps and ensures a smooth consistency.
If you’re short on time, prepare the meat and cheese mixture ahead of time and assemble before baking for an even easier dinner option.
Experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar or gouda would add unique flavors.

Not only does this dish boast amazing flavors and textures, but it also acts as a blank canvas for your creativity. Whether it’s during busy weeknights or special gatherings, Million Dollar Spaghetti guarantees belly-filling goodness that leaves everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before, assemble everything, and pop it in the fridge before baking. Just be aware that it may need a few extra minutes in the oven since it will be cold.

Can I convert this to a vegetarian option?

Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and your favorite lentils or plant-based crumbles. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, making it equally delicious!

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free spaghetti in place of regular pasta, and ensure your marinara sauce is labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without the gluten!

What can I serve with Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Side it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A light dessert, like sorbet, can also balance the richness of the pasta.

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