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Million Dollar Spaghetti

Baked pasta dish with layers of creamy cheese, savory meat sauce, and spaghetti.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 810 people
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 jar 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large pot
  • 9 x 13 inch baking dish
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixer or whisk

Method
 

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  9. Add the spaghetti and cook for one minute less than package directions.
  10. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  11. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1.5 cups of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.
  12. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  13. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
  14. Layer half the cooked spaghetti over the sauce, then half the cream cheese mixture, and half the remaining meat sauce.
  15. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cream cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
  16. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  17. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  18. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Leftovers taste even better the next day.