Million Dollar Spaghetti

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender spaghetti, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese layer all baked under a gooey blanket of golden mozzarella. The richness of the Italian sausage and the creamy texture of the cottage cheese makes this dish a truly indulgent centerpiece for any meal. Its fragrant garlic and bubbling cheese aroma will have everyone ready to dig in before it even comes out of the oven.

Table of Contents

• Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Will Brighten Your Dinner Table
• Everything You Need for Million Dollar Spaghetti
• How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Step by Step
• Perfect Pairings for Million Dollar Spaghetti
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Expert Tips for Success

Why This Million Dollar Spaghetti Will Brighten Your Dinner Table

• The perfect balance of flavors: The combination of savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and marinara sauce creates a rich and satisfying base.
• Creamy and cheesy textures: The cottage cheese and mozzarella layers melt into the pasta for an irresistibly creamy finish.
• Bake-ahead convenience: This dish can be prepped in advance and baked when you’re ready, simplifying busy weeknights or special gatherings.
• Feeds a crowd: With eight generous servings, it’s an ideal choice for potlucks, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week.

Everything You Need for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 16 ounces cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

The inclusion of Italian sausage enhances the flavor profile with its bold seasoning, while the cottage cheese offers a unique creaminess that sets this dish apart from typical spaghetti bakes.

Looking for something similar? Try our viral dirty spaghetti recipe.

For more ideas, check out our viral dirty spaghetti.

You might also enjoy our creamy dirty spaghetti cheesy pasta recipe.

How To Make Million Dollar Spaghetti Step by Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set the noodles aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix thoroughly to create the creamy cheese layer.



5. Spread half of the meat sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish.
6. Layer half of the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture, and then top with a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layering process with the remaining meat sauce, spaghetti, and cottage cheese mixture, finishing with the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
9. Once baked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.

Perfect Pairings for Million Dollar Spaghetti

• Garlic bread: A classic sidekick that helps scoop up every bit of the rich sauce.
• Caesar salad: The crisp greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty baked pasta.
• Roasted vegetables: Simple roasted zucchini or asparagus complements the richness of the dish without overpowering it.
• Red wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the meat sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the spaghetti: Ensure you cook it only to al dente, as it will continue to soften while baking.
• Skipping the foil: Covering the dish prevents the top layer of cheese from browning too quickly and ensures even baking.
• Using cold cheese: Allow the cheese mixture to come to room temperature for smoother layering and even cooking.

Expert Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can affect the texture of the creamy layer.
• Simmer the sauce: Letting the meat sauce simmer for a few extra minutes deepens the flavor and integrates the seasoning better.
• Prep ahead of time: Assemble the dish the night before and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Let it rest: Allow the baked spaghetti to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking. This makes it easier to slice and serve without it falling apart.