Go Back

Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake with Cream Cheese and Cottage Cheese

Million dollar spaghetti bake layers al dente pasta, a creamy cottage cheese and cream cheese mixture, and savory beef marinara under melted mozzarella. It bakes until bubbling around the edges, then rests for 10 minutes so the layers are easier to serve.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 720
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the spaghetti and meat sauce
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter for greasing
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for pasta
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt for sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 yellow onion small, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
For the cheese layer
  • 1 container (16 oz) cottage cheese
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
For assembly
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded (8 ounces)

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 12-inch skillet

Method
 

Cook the spaghetti and meat sauce
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add 1 tablespoon of the salt and the spaghetti.
  4. Cook according to package directions until just al dente.
  5. Drain the spaghetti and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
  6. Cook the ground beef and onion in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat for 7–9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and reaches 160°F.
  7. Drain excess fat.
  8. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper, and cook for 30 seconds.
  9. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Make the cheese layer
  1. In a medium bowl, mix the cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until combined.
Assemble and bake
  1. Spread half the spaghetti in the prepared dish.
  2. Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti, then add the remaining spaghetti.
  3. Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with the mozzarella.
  4. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted.
  5. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For easier serving, let the casserole rest for the full 10 minutes. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; this casserole can be frozen. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti and check that the marinara sauce is gluten-free.