Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe

Looking for a pasta dish that’s indulgent, comforting, and sure to impress your family or guests? Look no further than Million Dollar Spaghetti. This rich and creamy baked spaghetti casserole is layered with a meaty marinara sauce, a luscious cream cheese mixture, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, making it taste like a million bucks! Despite its fancy name, it's easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready to make this irresistible meal? Read on to discover the full Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe!

this Recipe

What is Million Dollar Spaghetti?

Million Dollar Spaghetti is an over-the-top pasta bake that's a combination of two beloved comfort foods—lasagna and baked spaghetti. The "million-dollar" part refers to its luxurious, creamy layers that elevate this dish from a simple spaghetti casserole to something extra special. The dish typically includes layers of spaghetti, a rich tomato-based meat sauce, a creamy mixture of cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, and sour cream, all topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. After baking, the dish becomes a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Spaghetti

To prepare this ultimate comfort dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Additional Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti

Feel free to customize your Million Dollar Spaghetti with the following additional ingredients for extra flavor:

• Italian sausage: For a heartier and spicier meat sauce, swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, or use a 50/50 blend.
• Vegetables: Add some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
• Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Try a blend of cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.

Substitutions and Variations

Whether you have dietary restrictions or want to try a different twist, here are some helpful substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients (like marinara sauce) are gluten-free as well.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground meat and replace it with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitute to make this dish dairy-free. You can also use coconut cream in place of sour cream.
• Low-Carb: Swap out the spaghetti for spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.

These substitutions and variations will allow you to enjoy Million Dollar Spaghetti while catering to your specific dietary needs or preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's walk through the process of making Million Dollar Spaghetti step by step:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
• Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
• Step 3: Drain the cooked pasta and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set the spaghetti aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Step 3: Add the ground beef (or beef and sausage mixture) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
• Step 4: Once the meat is fully cooked and browned, drain any excess fat.
• Step 5: Stir in the marinara sauce, reduce the heat, and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

• Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Step 2: Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 3: Set the cheese mixture aside for layering.

4. Assemble the Million Dollar Spaghetti:

• Step 1: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
• Step 2: Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of spaghetti.
• Step 3: Add the remaining spaghetti on top of the cheese layer.
• Step 4: Pour the meat sauce over the top layer of spaghetti, spreading it evenly to cover all the pasta.

5. Add the Cheese Topping:

• Step 1: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce layer.
• Step 2: Top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

6. Bake the Million Dollar Spaghetti:

• Step 1: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Step 2: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Step 1: Once the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
• Step 2: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Step 3: Slice into portions and serve this creamy, cheesy, and delicious pasta bake to your family or guests!

How to Cook Million Dollar Spaghetti: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Million Dollar Spaghetti is a straightforward process. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare the meat sauce by browning ground meat and combining it with marinara and seasonings.
3. Mix the creamy cheese filling using cream cheese, ricotta, and sour cream.
4. Layer the pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce in a baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Million Dollar Spaghetti:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, be sure to only cook it until al dente, so it doesn’t turn mushy.
• Not Draining the Meat Properly: Be sure to drain any excess fat after cooking the ground beef or sausage to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
• Skipping the Resting Period: Let the spaghetti rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make it easier to slice.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a perfect family-style dish that’s ideal for serving at gatherings or weeknight dinners. Here are a few tips on how to present this dish:

• Serve in the Baking Dish: Present the casserole directly in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Add a Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley over the top before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Million Dollar Spaghetti

To serve Million Dollar Spaghetti, use a spatula to cut and lift generous squares or rectangles of the casserole. Pair it with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a full meal. This dish is rich, so light sides work best to balance out the flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Spaghetti

For a more elegant presentation, you can portion the spaghetti into individual ramekins or small baking dishes before baking. Top each portion with fresh herbs and serve directly from the ramekin for a restaurant-quality look.

Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
• Freezing: Million Dollar Spaghetti freezes well. After assembling, wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of pasta for Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes! You can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Can I make this dish without meat?
Absolutely. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Spaghetti?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. You can freeze it before baking or freeze leftovers. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food that brings together creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors into one satisfying casserole. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a weeknight meal, or meal prep, this baked spaghetti dish is guaranteed to be a hit. With its rich layers and gooey, cheesy top, this dish tastes like a million bucks—but is easy and affordable to make at home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a pasta bake that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print