The Best Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground sirloin
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 32 ounces marinara sauce, divided
• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, until softened.

Step 2: Add ground sirloin and ground Italian sausage to the pan. Cook, crumbling the meat with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in 3 cups of marinara sauce, bring the mixture to a simmer, and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer while you prepare the pasta.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish and set aside.

Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just tender with a bite, about 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Stir in 3 1/2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining marinara sauce into the pasta. Set aside.

Step 7: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, the remaining salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 8: Add half of the pasta to the prepared casserole dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta.

Step 9: Cut the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter into thin slices and arrange them over the top of the pasta. Then, pour the meat sauce mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 10: Place the casserole dish on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and browned, and the pasta is bubbling around the edges.

Step 11: Let the casserole stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	652
Total Fat	43g
Saturated Fat	20g
Cholesterol	133mg
Sodium	1484mg
Total Carbohydrate	29g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Total Sugars	9g
Protein	37g
Vitamin C	3mg
Calcium	313mg
Iron	4mg
Potassium	830mg

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Origin

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a relatively modern American comfort dish that emerged from the trend of transforming simple everyday ingredients into indulgent baked casseroles. While it does not trace its roots to traditional Italian cuisine, it was inspired by Italian-American cooking methods that emphasize layered textures and rich sauces. The dish gained popularity in home kitchens during the late 20th century, when casseroles became a staple of busy families seeking hearty, budget-friendly meals. Over the years, its million dollar name began to symbolize not cost, but the luxurious creaminess that sets it apart from ordinary spaghetti dinners.

Regional Variations

Across the United States, different regions have adapted Million Dollar Spaghetti to fit local tastes. In the South, cooks often incorporate tangy cream cheese blends and extra cheddar for a melt-in-your-mouth richness. In the Midwest, where casseroles are a cultural hallmark, you may find versions featuring mixed proteins or extra vegetables for added bulk. On the West Coast, lighter versions sometimes use turkey sausage or spinach to create a slightly healthier profile without compromising comfort. These flexible variations illustrate how easily the dish adapts to local preferences and pantry staples.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Million Dollar Spaghetti shares similarities with lasagna and baked ziti but distinguishes itself through its layered spaghetti base and creamy cheese mixture. Unlike lasagna, which requires structured pasta sheets, this dish uses long noodles that create a softer, more cohesive texture. It also incorporates cream cheese, cottage cheese, or sour creamingredients rarely found in classic Italian baked pasta dishes. These additions produce a velvety, indulgent consistency that makes Million Dollar Spaghetti unique among familiar pasta casseroles.

Where It Is Usually Served

This casserole is a popular choice for potlucks, family gatherings, and community events due to its generous yield and crowd-pleasing flavors. It is often served at weeknight dinners, especially in households that enjoy leftover-friendly meals. Restaurants specializing in homestyle American cuisine sometimes offer their own versions, but the dish remains most beloved in home kitchens, where it can be easily prepared ahead and baked just before serving.

Interesting Facts

Despite its luxurious name, the recipe was designed to be economical, using accessible ingredients found in most supermarkets. Its reputation for versatility is one reason it has remained a staplehome cooks commonly adapt the meat mixture, swapping beef for chicken, sausage, or even leftover roasted meats. Another interesting note is that the dish became a viral sensation in online cooking communities, where its dramatic cheese pulls and golden-brown baked top captured the attention of food enthusiasts. Its fan base continues to grow as more cooks discover how effortlessly it transforms basic pantry items into a comforting, celebratory meal.

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