Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
If you love comfort food with a wow factor, Million Dollar Spaghetti will instantly become your go-to recipe. This delicious baked pasta is a magical mash-up of lasagna and creamy spaghetti, layered with a rich meat sauce, luscious cheese filling, and gooey mozzarella on top. It’s the kind of irresistible, bubbly casserole that graces potlucks, family gatherings, or busy weeknights and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Come hungry, because Million Dollar Spaghetti is pure dinner gold!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Million Dollar Spaghetti is delightfully straightforward, but each component plays a starring role in creating layers of savory, creamy, and cheesy delight. Don’t skip any item—they all bring the magic together!
- Spaghetti: Classic pasta that holds the layers and soaks up all the flavors—cook it just until al dente for the perfect bite.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory substance to the sauce; you can swap in Italian sausage or a mix for extra flavor.
- Marinara sauce: Adds tangy, tomato richness and keeps everything moist and irresistible.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with gentle, aromatic warmth that tastes like home cooking.
- Italian seasoning: This herb blend gives the dish that classic Italian flair, balancing basil, oregano, and a hint of thyme.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the depth of all your dish’s flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a little gentle heat and rounds out the savory notes of the sauce.
- Cream cheese: When softened and combined in the filling, it delivers the signature creamy richness that sets Million Dollar Spaghetti apart.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings an ultra-creamy texture to the cheese layer and keeps things luscious, never dry.
- Sour cream: Adds a little tang, making each bite perfectly balanced and not too heavy.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey, golden perfection on top—don’t skimp!
- Parmesan cheese: Delivers nutty, salty depth that enhances every forkful.
- Butter: Little dots of butter on top create a bubbling, rich finish that’s downright crave-worthy.
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
Start by cooking the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions, aiming for that perfect “al dente” texture—the noodles should be tender but still have a little bite. Once done, drain thoroughly and set aside while you prepare the other components. This dish is all about layering, so prepping the pasta first means you’re ready for effortless assembly.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce
Grab your largest skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy casserole. Add in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about five minutes—this brings all those classic Italian flavors together into a savory, hearty sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and perfectly blended—this creates the decadent, creamy layer that makes Million Dollar Spaghetti completely unforgettable. Don’t be tempted to skip this step; that creamy middle is what makes this casserole so special!
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grab your greased 9×13-inch baking dish and get ready to build the magic. Lay down half of the cooked spaghetti as the bottom layer. Spoon the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the noodles—it’ll look thick, but trust the process. Next, add the remaining spaghetti over the cheese. Finish by pouring your rich meat sauce over everything, letting it seep into every nook for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Butter
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses generously over the top—this is the gooey golden cap that gets everyone excited. Dot the surface with the small pieces of butter, which will melt into the cheese and help create those deliciously browned, bubbly edges. This final touch is the secret to the casserole’s over-the-top appeal.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Bake your assembled Million Dollar Spaghetti at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, just until everything is piping hot and the top is gloriously golden and bubbling. Resist the urge to dive in immediately—let your masterpiece rest for about 10 minutes so it slices easily, and the flavors can settle into perfect harmony. Now, serve up this casserole of dreams!
How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti
Garnishes
Give your Million Dollar Spaghetti that little extra flourish just before serving! A shower of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a whisper of freshness. If you’re a cheese fanatic, grate a little extra Parmesan on top at the table. For a fun twist, a few red pepper flakes provide gentle heat and look striking against those cheesy, bubbly layers.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside warm, crusty garlic bread—perfect for soaking up any saucy leftovers on your plate. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette to offer a crisp, tangy contrast to all that creamy richness. If you’re feeling festive, roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make a colorful, wholesome side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Million Dollar Spaghetti into a party showstopper by serving it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Cut it into squares for a buffet or potluck—it holds together beautifully. For a fun weekday twist, scoop some into sandwich rolls and melt extra cheese on top for “spaghetti subs” that will surprise and delight the crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled leftovers keep beautifully in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch or dinner might taste even better than the first round!
Freezing
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a meal prep superstar. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer individual servings to airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months—when it’s time to reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes for a large portion). For individual servings, a quick spin in the microwave does the job, but add a splash of water or marinara before covering loosely so the pasta stays moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic and holds the layers together well, you can try penne or rigatoni for a slightly different texture. Just cook whichever pasta you use until al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for an equally hearty, delicious casserole. You can also stir in some spinach or zucchini for added veggies and nutrition.
Can I assemble Million Dollar Spaghetti ahead of time?
Definitely—the dish is perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble it up to a day ahead and store covered in the fridge. Bake as directed when you’re ready to serve, and add five extra minutes to the baking time if straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
If you forget to let it sit out, unwrap the cream cheese and microwave it in 10-second bursts until it’s just soft enough to blend. Softer cream cheese mixes much easier and makes your cheese layer ultra creamy and smooth.
Can I add other cheeses to this recipe?
Of course! While mozzarella and Parmesan are the stars, mixing in a little provolone, fontina, or even white cheddar can add new layers of flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your Million Dollar Spaghetti uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing pasta, look no further—Million Dollar Spaghetti is comfort food royalty. Give it a try, share it with friends and family, and watch it disappear. There’s truly nothing quite like it!
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Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Million Dollar Spaghetti recipe that combines layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich, creamy cheese mixture. Baked to perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 1 pound spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Layer the ingredients: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked spaghetti, spread the cheese mixture evenly, add the remaining spaghetti, pour the meat sauce over the top, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then dot with butter slices.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- For added flavor, consider using Italian sausage or a mix of ground beef and sausage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
