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top view of casserole dish with baked spaghetti and melted cheese
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5 from 1 vote

Million Dollar Spaghetti

This Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe is made with tender pasta layered with a flavorful, meat sauce and a creamy cheese mixture, then baked to golden brown perfection. A comforting meal that does taste like a million bucks!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Rena

Equipment

  • baking dish
  • medium bowl
  • spatula
  • non stick skillet

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
  • 28 ounces pasta sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup ground parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Cook the 10 ounces whole wheat spaghetti according to package directions until just cooked to al dente. Drain well and return to the pot. Stir in the 28 ounces pasta sauce.
  • Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the 1 medium yellow onion (chopped) and minced 4 cloves garlic for 5 minutes.
  • Add the 1 pound ground turkey or chicken and continue to cook, mincing the meat with a wooden spoon.
  • Once the meat is no longer pink, sprinkle it with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, Salt and pepper. Cook just until it starts to brown.
    Browning ground chicken in a skillet.
  • Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the 8 ounces cottage cheese, 1/2 cup ground parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella.
    Mixing cottage cheese with mozzarella and parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
  • Spread half of the spaghetti in a rectangular baking dish. Top with half of the cheese mixture and half of the cooked meat, then repeat the layers. Sprinkle with the remaining one cup of shredded mozzarella.
    Assembling million dollar spaghetti in a casserole dish.
  • Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
    top view of casserole dish with baked spaghetti and melted cheese
  • Serve and Enjoy.

Video

Notes

  • Place leftovers in an airtight container or cover the dish you baked it in with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Pasta: You can use any pasta like gluten-free, whole grain, lento, or chickpea pasta.
  • Use your favorite pasta sauce.
  • If you do not want to use ground turkey or chicken, you can use lean ground beef.
  • Reheating: You can reheat it in the microwave or oven. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight first. Then pop it in the microwave and reheat for 2-3 minutes until it is heated through.  If reheating in the oven, preheat the oven to 325F. Cover the dish with foil, and pop it in the oven for 10 minutes or so until it is heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1565mg | Potassium: 1044mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1540IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 4mg