Craving hearty comfort food? Look no further than this incredible million dollar spaghetti recipe. It’s a rich, layered baked pasta dish that brings joy to any dinner table. This casserole combines tender spaghetti with a flavorful meat sauce and a creamy, cheesy filling, all topped with gooey mozzarella. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal, perfect for satisfying hungry crowds while being surprisingly budget-conscious.
Dating back to the late Middle Ages, baked pasta dishes like this have been a staple at banquets and celebrations. You can learn more about the history of baked pasta.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this Million Dollar Spaghetti Recipe
This recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many great reasons.
- It’s a true crowd-pleaser, delivering hearty, satisfying flavors everyone enjoys.
- The dish is deeply flavorful and incredibly comforting, perfect for any evening.
- Prepare it ahead for easy weeknight meals or feed a large gathering with minimal effort.
- Simple, step-by-step instructions make this baked spaghetti casserole surprisingly easy.
- You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite meats, sauces, and cheeses.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Spaghetti
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible million dollar spaghetti:
- Spaghetti Noodles and Sauce: 16 ounces spaghetti noodles, 1/2 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage or pork sausage, salt and pepper to taste, 1 small onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 24 ounces marinara sauce, 3 Tablespoons butter.
- Creamy Cheese Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes & Substitutions
- Meat Choices: Feel free to use all ground beef, all Italian sausage, or a combination for your meat sauce. Ground turkey also works for a lighter option.
- Marinara Sauce Options: Store-bought marinara sauce makes this a quick meal. For an extra special touch, use your favorite homemade marinara.
- Cheese Choices: Cottage cheese adds a light, creamy texture to the cheese layer. Ricotta cheese offers a richer, slightly firmer consistency, both delicious options.
- Pasta Alternatives: While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or bucatini. Short pasta like ziti or penne also works well in a pinch.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this fantastic million dollar spaghetti.
- Large skillet
- Large pot for pasta
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander
How to Make Million Dollar Spaghetti (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Creating this delicious million dollar spaghetti is simple with these clear steps.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain most of the grease from the pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in all but ½ cup of the marinara sauce, reserving that ½ cup for later. Combine everything thoroughly and set the meat sauce aside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente. This means they are firm to the bite, not mushy. Drain the hot spaghetti well, then transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter and the reserved ½ cup of marinara sauce. Toss everything gently to combine and coat the noodles evenly.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Layer: In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese). Mix these ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, creamy center of your casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the prepared spaghetti mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Carefully spoon and spread the creamy cheese mixture over the top of the noodles. Layer the remaining spaghetti over the cheese mixture. Next, spread the meat sauce evenly over the top of the spaghetti. Finish by generously sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the entire casserole.
- Bake and Serve: Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is golden brown. Check it around 20 minutes; if the cheese starts browning too quickly, loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the dish. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set, making for cleaner portions. Enjoy your homemade million dollar spaghetti!
According to the USDA, ground beef should be cooked to 160°F (71.1°C) for safety.
Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Spaghetti
Follow these tips for an even better million dollar spaghetti.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it just until al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened. This prevents lumps and makes the cheese layer smooth and creamy.
- Drain meat well for less grease. Excess grease can make your casserole oily; always drain it after cooking the meat.
- Rest casserole before serving for cleaner slices. This allows the layers to set, preventing a messy dish.
- Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly. It ensures the casserole cooks through without burning the top.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even beginners can master this dish with a few tricks.
- Dry Spaghetti: Add a splash of pasta water or extra marinara sauce when tossing the noodles if they seem too dry.
- Watery Cheese Layer: Ensure your cottage or ricotta cheese is well-drained before mixing to prevent excess moisture.
- Uneven Baking: Rotate the casserole halfway through baking for a more consistent cook and golden-brown top.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make this million dollar spaghetti a full meal or prepare it for future enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty pasta dish with a fresh, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
- Serve it alongside warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate any leftover million dollar spaghetti promptly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For a whole casserole, cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until bubbly.
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole (up to adding the top layer of cheese) and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole completely without baking it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Baking from Frozen: Bake the frozen casserole, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-75 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to brown the cheese. You can also thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Options: Substitute plant-based ground meat for the beef and sausage. Boost the flavor with extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Different Cheese Blends: Experiment with other shredded cheeses like provolone, Italian blend, or smoked gouda for unique flavor notes.
- Adding Vegetables to Meat Sauce: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding finely diced carrots, celery, or spinach to the meat sauce while it simmers.
Nutrition Information
This million dollar spaghetti offers a satisfying and energy-rich meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 605 mg |
| Potassium | 356 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 640 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 163 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Estimated per serving. Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it “Million Dollar” spaghetti?
The name comes from its rich, layered composition and the inclusion of a creamy, decadent cheese layer, making it taste incredibly luxurious.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while spaghetti is traditional, you can easily use other pasta shapes like ziti, penne, or rigatoni for a similar baked casserole.
How to adjust for fewer servings?
You can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish for a smaller portion.
Conclusion
This million dollar spaghetti recipe truly offers the best of both worlds: incredible flavor and straightforward preparation. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings smiles to every face around the dinner table.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering, this ultimate comfort food casserole delivers every time. Give it a try and discover your new favorite baked pasta creation!
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook ground beef and sausage in a skillet with salt and pepper. Drain grease.
- Add onion and garlic to skillet, cook until translucent. Stir in all but 1/2 cup marinara sauce. Set aside.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain and mix with butter and reserved marinara in a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Layer half the spaghetti in a greased 9×13-inch dish. Spread cheese mixture on top. Add remaining spaghetti.
- Top with meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use all ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix.
- Cottage or ricotta cheese work in the filling.
- Try different pasta like penne or ziti.
- Drain cottage cheese if too wet.
- Tent foil if cheese browns too fast. Rest before slicing for neater servings.
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