Million Dollar Spaghetti
A hearty and delicious dish that combines the best elements of lasagna and spaghetti into one comforting bake. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meats
- 12 ounces spaghetti Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for less fat.
- 1 pound Italian sausage Can use mild or spicy based on preference.
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cups marinara sauce Use your favorite brand or homemade.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning according to taste.
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve half for topping.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Reserve half for topping.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- In a skillet, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Brown the meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the meat. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
Layering
- In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- In a large baking dish, start to layer the ingredients: half of the cooked spaghetti, half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layering process.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Cook the spaghetti al dente since it will cook more in the oven. Adjust seasoning as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.